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 to increase by around 70 percent in the next five years, said Union Minister for the Department of Atomic Energy Dr Jitendra Singh while convening a high-level meeting to review the 100-day Action Plan of the Department of Atomic Energy in New Delhi on Tuesday. This is the first Atomic Energy related meeting convened by Dr Singh after he reassumed charge as minister in the Modi government 3.0.

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“The installed capacity (nuclear power) of 7.48 GWe will become 13.08 GWe by 2029, which is over 70 percent increase with the addition of seven new reactors,” said Dr Singh. He also took stock of the already operational projects and gave directions for upcoming plans.

‘Indigenous technology development for nuclear power a priority’

Stresisng on the need to develop indidgenous 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. The minister emphasised on the indigenous development of technology. He said, “Indigenous technology development and promoting energy security should be our priority.” He recalled that this government has allowed Joint Ventures with public sector units, increasing budget through collaboration, use of next-generation technologies, and increasing cooperation. Speaking on the ease of doing research and scaling up activities, he said we are giving single point approval to promote ease of science and promote ease of living for citizens by application of nuclear technology.

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 informed that the Department of Atomic Energy is also working on 220 MW Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR) to use light water-based reactors by replacing Calandria by 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 Prototype Fast Breeder reactor and its first approach to criticality is expected in the coming months. This is the first fast breeder reactor to produce more fuel than it consumes.

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

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