Parliament Question: Generation of Nuclear Power

Key Highlights:

• India currently has 24 nuclear power reactors in commercial operation with a total installed capacity of 8,780 MW.
• The Plant Load Factor (PLF) of nuclear power plants has been higher than the average all-India Thermal Power Plant PLF (excluding gas-based plants) from 2019-20 to 2023-24.
• KAPS-4 (Kakrapar Atomic Power Station Unit-4) commenced commercial operation in March 2024.
• KAPS-3 (Kakrapar Atomic Power Station Unit-3) was commissioned in June 2023.

Detailed Insights:

• The consistent high PLF of nuclear power plants highlights their reliability and efficiency in contributing to the national grid.
• This performance is crucial for India's energy security and its strategy to diversify the power generation mix.
• The commissioning of new units like KAPS-3 and KAPS-4 signifies the ongoing expansion and development in India's nuclear energy program.
• The information was provided by Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Nuclear Power Reactors: Devices that initiate and control a sustained nuclear chain reaction to generate heat, primarily for electricity production.
• Plant Load Factor (PLF): The ratio of the actual energy output of a power plant over a period to its maximum possible energy output over the same period.
• Thermal Power Plants: Power stations that generate electricity by converting heat energy, typically from burning fossil fuels like coal or gas.