India’s Nuclear Energy

India’s Nuclear Energy

Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III: Indian Economy & its challenges

Context: The present installed nuclear power capacity in the country is 6780 MW comprising of 22 operational nuclear power reactors. In addition, one reactor, KAPP-3 (700 MW) has also been connected to the grid in January- 2021.

Background

• India is not very rich in fossil fuel resources and considering the large and growing energy demand, all energy sources are deployed optimally. 
• Nuclear power is a clean and environment friendly base load source of electricity generation, which is available 24X7. 
• It also has a huge potential and can provide the country long term energy security in a sustainable manner. 
• Expansion of nuclear power capacity will help in the country’s energy transition for meeting the goal of net zero economy.

India at COP26 Summit held in Glasgow: India will reach its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030 and India will meet 50 percent of its energy requirements from Renewable Energy by 2030.

• The existing nuclear power capacity of 6780 MW is going to be increased to 22480 MW by the year 2031 on progressive completion of projects under construction and accorded sanction. More nuclear power plants are also planned in future. 
• Similarly a total capacity of 31665 MW of coal based capacity are in the various stages of construction.

News Source: PIB