India’s nuclear power generation capacity will grow by 70% in 5 yrs: Dr Jitendra Singh

New Delhi: India's nuclear power generation capacity is set to increase by around 70 percent in the next five years, announced Union Minister for the Department of Atomic Energy Dr. Jitendra Singh during a high-level meeting to review the 100-day Action Plan of the Department of Atomic Energy on Tuesday. This was the first atomic energy-related meeting convened by Dr. Singh after he reassumed charge as minister in the Modi government 3.0.

"The installed nuclear power capacity of 7.48 GWe will increase to 13.08 GWe by 2029, representing over a 70 percent increase with the addition of seven new reactors," stated Dr. Singh. He also reviewed the operational projects and provided directions for future plans.

Indigenous Technology Development for Nuclear Power a Priority

Emphasizing the need for indigenous technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh directed the department to integrate and collaborate to harness full potential through capacity building and sharing of knowledge, resources, and expertise. He stressed that "indigenous technology development and promoting energy security should be our priority." He recalled that the government has facilitated joint ventures with public sector units, increased the budget through collaboration, utilized next-generation technologies, and enhanced cooperation. Speaking on simplifying research and scaling up activities, he mentioned that the government is providing single-point approval to promote the ease of science and improve the quality of life for citizens through nuclear technology applications.

Dr. Singh informed that the department is designing the 220 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) to use a Bharat Small Reactor (BSR) for captive nuclear power generation. He also mentioned that the Department of Atomic Energy is working on the 220 MW Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR) to utilize light water-based reactors by replacing the Calandria with a pressure vessel.

BHAVINI to Complete Initial Fuel Loading of Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor

According to Dr. Singh, BHAVINI, a public sector undertaking, is in the process of completing the initial fuel loading of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor, with its first approach to criticality expected in the coming months. This reactor is the first fast breeder reactor designed to produce more fuel than it consumes.

The minister highlighted that along with energy security, health and food security, radiopharmaceuticals and nuclear medicine, agriculture, and food preservation should also be focus areas. Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy, along with senior officials of the department, attended the review meeting.