Parliament Question: Nuclear Energy Mission

Key Highlights:

• India has announced an ambitious Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat targeting 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047.
• The SHANTI Act has been enacted to enable wider public and private sector participation in nuclear power.
• Recent capacity addition includes 2100 MW from KAPP-3&4 and RAPP-7.
• The foundation stone was laid for Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project Units 1-4.
• Construction commenced for Kaiga Units-5&6 in Karnataka.

Detailed Insights:

• The mission aligns with India's energy security, clean energy generation, and net-zero targets.
• It envisages a significant contribution from indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology.
• Measures have been announced to enable R&D in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and other advanced technologies.
• Pre-project activities for 2 x 500 MW Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) 1 & 2 at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, have been approved.
• Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS)-1&2, the world's oldest operating nuclear reactors, resumed operation after major refurbishment.
• The SHANTI Act, 2025, once its rules are framed, will allow states, industries, and research institutions to collaborate with the government in nuclear power.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Viksit Bharat: A vision for India to become a developed nation by 2047, often linked with economic and technological advancement.
• SHANTI Act: Legislation aimed at facilitating broader participation, including private and state entities, in India's nuclear energy sector.
• Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR): A type of nuclear power reactor that uses heavy water as its coolant and neutron moderator.
• Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR): A nuclear reactor that produces more fissile material than it consumes, using fast neutrons.
• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Advanced nuclear reactors that are smaller in size and power output than conventional reactors, designed for modular construction.