NEW DELHI: Nuclear power is saving 41 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually compared to the volume that would be generated by equivalent electricity generation from coal-based power plants, junior atomic energy minister Jitendra Singh informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
In a written reply to a question in the House, Singh said that as part of the low-carbon development of electricity systems consistent with enhanced development benefits, the government is exploring a significantly greater role for nuclear power. He said nuclear power currently provides 3% of electricity generation and that sufficient production and share of nuclear power is essential for ensuring the country’s energy security. According to the current nuclear energy policy, the country is targeting a three-fold rise in nuclear-installed capacity by 2032.
The minister highlighted that nuclear energy can be considered for delivering base load power free of intermittency in place of energy generated from fossil fuels. The Department of Atomic Energy considers nuclear energy as a significant component of its non-fossil fuel power generation capacity and will continue to pursue research and innovation in this sector.
Singh also pointed out that the present installed nuclear power capacity is set to increase from 6,780 MW to 2,2480 MW by 2031 on progressive completion of projects under construction and accorded sanction. He said that in the next three years, capacity addition of 5,300 MW is planned on completion of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project 3&4 (2X700 MW), Rajasthan Atomic Power Station 7&8 (2X700 MW), Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant 3&4 (2X1000 MW) and Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (500 MW).
In a written reply to a question in the House, Singh said that as part of the low-carbon development of electricity systems consistent with enhanced development benefits, the government is exploring a significantly greater role for nuclear power. He said nuclear power currently provides 3% of electricity generation and that sufficient production and share of nuclear power is essential for ensuring the country’s energy security. According to the current nuclear energy policy, the country is targeting a three-fold rise in nuclear-installed capacity by 2032.
The minister highlighted that nuclear energy can be considered for delivering base load power free of intermittency in place of energy generated from fossil fuels. The Department of Atomic Energy considers nuclear energy as a significant component of its non-fossil fuel power generation capacity and will continue to pursue research and innovation in this sector.
Singh also pointed out that the present installed nuclear power capacity is set to increase from 6,780 MW to 2,2480 MW by 2031 on progressive completion of projects under construction and accorded sanction. He said that in the next three years, capacity addition of 5,300 MW is planned on completion of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project 3&4 (2X700 MW), Rajasthan Atomic Power Station 7&8 (2X700 MW), Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant 3&4 (2X1000 MW) and Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (500 MW).