India Accelerates Nuclear Energy Expansion
In a significant address to the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh reaffirmed the Indian government’s commitment to expanding its nuclear energy sector. He highlighted the remarkable growth in reactor installations and advancements in nuclear technology over the past decade. The Minister also emphasized the importance of safety protocols and the role of private sector participation in this critical energy domain.
Rajasthan’s Role in Nuclear Energy
Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored Rajasthan’s pivotal contribution to India’s nuclear energy landscape, noting that the state is home to seven of the nation’s 25 operational reactors. He announced the revival of a previously non-functional reactor, which will enhance the state’s nuclear output. Furthermore, the establishment of a new reactor in Gorakhnagar, Haryana, signifies a strategic expansion of India’s nuclear infrastructure beyond its traditional bases in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
The Minister pointed to a landmark decision made by the Union Cabinet in 2017, which approved the construction of ten new reactors in a single session—an unprecedented move in India’s nuclear history. The recent Union Budget has further strengthened the nuclear sector with the introduction of a dedicated nuclear mission, backed by substantial financial allocations. Dr. Singh highlighted that the budget for the Department of Atomic Energy has surged from ₹13,889 crore before 2014 to ₹23,604 crore this year, reflecting a 170% increase and a clear focus on nuclear energy growth.
Private Sector Involvement and Safety Protocols
Emphasizing the government’s strategy to enhance private sector involvement in nuclear energy, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated, “The Prime Minister has decided to open up the nuclear sector to private players, ensuring a larger resource pool and faster development.” This initiative aligns with global best practices, allowing India to bolster its nuclear capabilities while reducing reliance on public funding. He reported that India’s nuclear power generation capacity has risen from 22,480 MW in 2014 to 35,333 MW today, with installed capacity doubling from 4,780 MW to 8,880 MW.
On safety measures, the Minister assured that stringent protocols are in place to protect plant workers and surrounding communities. He reiterated India’s commitment to a “safety first, production next” approach, with regular monitoring during construction and operation. A Tata Memorial study indicated that health concerns related to radiation around nuclear plants are below the national average, and radiation levels at these facilities remain significantly under safety thresholds, showing a consistent decline over the years.
Nuclear Waste Management and Future Projects
Addressing concerns regarding nuclear waste disposal, Dr. Jitendra Singh explained that India adheres to global best practices for safe storage. Each nuclear facility initially stores its waste on-site for five to seven years before transferring it to an ‘Away From Reactor’ (AFR) facility for long-term management and potential reuse. He clarified that Kudankulam and Kalpakkam are not central waste repositories, emphasizing that each site is self-sufficient in waste management. Notably, radiation levels at the Kudankulam plant have decreased from 0.081 micro-sieverts in 2014 to just 0.002%, while Kalpakkam’s levels have dropped from 23.140 micro-sieverts to 15.96 micro-sieverts.
Regarding uranium exploration in Rajasthan, the Minister acknowledged that environmental clearances are still pending but assured that the process is actively underway. Once these clearances are obtained, Rajasthan is expected to significantly enhance India’s uranium reserves, further supporting the country’s atomic energy ambitions. Additionally, updates on nuclear projects in Madhya Pradesh revealed that the Chutka Nuclear project has completed most procedural requirements, while the Shivpuri project is awaiting final arrangements for water supply.
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