India targets nuclear capacity three-fold by 2030

Nuclear energy is essential to India’s energy security and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With the current 3% share in electricity generation, nuclear power has the potential to provide base load power without intermittency and replace fossil fuel-based power generation.

India’s nuclear energy sector is growing rapidly, with the government targeting a three-fold increase in installed nuclear capacity by 2032. This policy focus on expanding nuclear power capacity is a positive step towards achieving a more sustainable and secure energy future for the country.

Furthermore, nuclear energy is a low-carbon energy source that does not emit greenhouse gases, making it an important tool in mitigating climate change. Using nuclear power in India saves 41 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually compared to equivalent electricity generation from coal-based thermal power plants.

There is an increased emphasis on the importance of low-carbon development of electrical systems consistent with enhanced development benefits. The government is also exploring a significantly greater role in nuclear power. Presently, nuclear power provides only 3 percent of electricity generation in India, and the government has set a policy target of a three-fold rise in nuclear-installed capacity by 2032. 

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, M/o Earth Sciences, and MoS, Atomic Energy and Space, recently highlighted the significant role that nuclear power could play in ensuring the country’s energy security. According to Dr. Singh, the use of nuclear power in India is saving 41 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, compared to the emissions generated by equivalent electricity generation from coal-based thermal power plants.

Nuclear energy can deliver base load power without intermittency and can be considered a replacement for energy from fossil fuels. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) considers nuclear energy a significant component of its non-fossil fuel power generation capacity. The department will continue to pursue research and innovation in this sector.

India’s installed nuclear power capacity is set to increase from 6,780 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031 as projects under construction are progressively completed and accorded sanction. In the next three years, there is a planned capacity addition of 5,300 MW on completion of KAPP 3&4 (2X700 MW), RAPP 7&8 (2X700 MW), KKNPP 3&4 (2X1000 MW), and PFBR (500 MW).

The increased use of nuclear power has significant implications for India’s energy mix and climate change mitigation efforts. Nuclear power can be critical in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting energy security. However, the use of nuclear power must also be balanced with safety considerations, waste management, and non-proliferation concerns. India’s nuclear energy sector has seen significant growth in recent years. The government’s policy focus on expanding nuclear power capacity is a positive step towards achieving a more sustainable and secure energy future. The continued support for research and innovation in this sector will be crucial for ensuring that nuclear power can play an even more substantial role in India’s energy mix in the future.