Parliament Question: Enhancing Nuclear Energy

Key Highlights:

• India aims to achieve 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047 under the Nuclear Energy Mission.
• The current nuclear power capacity of 8.78 GW is projected to reach approximately 22 GW by 2031-32.
• The roadmap employs a two-pronged strategy: indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and large imported advanced reactors.
• Development and deployment of indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are planned, targeting at least five by 2033.
• Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is designing 220 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200), 55 MWe Small Modular Reactor (SMR-55), and High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (HTGCR).
• This expansion supports the national goals of Viksit Bharat and achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2070.

Detailed Insights:

• The nuclear capacity expansion aims to increase the share of reliable, low-carbon base-load energy in the country's energy mix.
• Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is envisaged to set up an additional 32 GW beyond 2032, reaching about 54 GW by 2047.
• The remaining 46 GW capacity is expected to be set up by other Public Sector Enterprises, private sector, and Joint Ventures.
• SMRs are intended for brownfield applications such as repurposing retiring fossil fuel plants, captive power for industries, and off-grid uses.
• Construction of SMRs is estimated to take 60 to 72 months from the receipt of financial approval.
• India does not envisage international collaborations for SMR technology due to the availability of requisite in-house expertise.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Nuclear Energy Mission: A government initiative announced in Union Budget 2025-26 to significantly expand India's nuclear power capacity.
• Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs): A type of nuclear reactor that uses heavy water as both a coolant and a neutron moderator.
• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Advanced nuclear reactors with smaller power outputs (typically up to 300 MWe) and modular designs for flexible deployment.
• Net Zero: A state where the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere is balanced by the amount removed.
• Viksit Bharat: A vision for India to become a developed nation by 2047, encompassing economic growth, social progress, and environmental sustainability.