India's Nuclear Power Generation Set for Significant Growth: Insights from Union Minister Jitendra Singh

Nuclear Power Generation in India: A Promising Future

New Delhi: According to Union Minister Jitendra Singh, India's nuclear power plants generated a total of 45,855 million units (MU) in the fiscal year 2022-23. Projections indicate an increase to 47,971 MU in 2023-24 and a further rise to 56,681 MU in 2024-25.

In a written statement to the Rajya Sabha, Singh noted that the nation currently boasts an installed nuclear power capacity of 8,780 megawatts (MW) across 24 nuclear facilities, excluding the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station-Unit 1.

Plans are underway to implement eighteen nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of 13,600 MW. This includes ten reactors that are currently under construction, such as a 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), along with eight reactors in the pre-project phase.

Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited is in the process of commissioning a 500 MW PFBR project located in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. The government has also granted approval for pre-project activities related to the twin unit of fast breeder reactors 1 and 2, each with a capacity of 500 MW, at the same site.

Singh further mentioned that once the PFBR achieves its first criticality, the government will be approached for financial approval for the fast breeder reactors 1 and 2.