Nuclear Energy in India

In this chapter, we will discuss Nuclear Energy in India.

Important Points About Nuclear Power in India

Consider the following points about Nuclear Power in India −

• Nuclear power in India is the fourth-largest source of electricity after thermal, hydroelectric, and renewable sources (of electricity).

• India has 22 nuclear reactors operating in 8 nuclear power plants.

• The total installed capacity of nuclear power in India is 6780 MW. This produces 30,292.91 GWh of electricity.

• 6 reactors are under construction, which are expected to produce an additional 4,300 MW electricity.

• The nuclear power plant of Jaitapur (located in Maharashtra) is planned to start in collaboration with France. It is a 9900 MW project.

• The nuclear power plant of Kudankulam (located in Tamil Nadu) is an Indo-Russian collaboration. It is a 2000 MW project.

• The Apsara nuclear research reactor was India's first nuclear reactor inaugurated in 1957. This was set up with assistance from the UK.

• India's domestic uranium reserves are limited; hence, India imports uranium from Russia.

• Some other countries with which India has uranium supply agreements are Argentina, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and Namibia.

• Furthermore, in 2011, the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) of India has discovered large deposits of uranium in Tummalapalle belt located in Bhima River basin in Karnataka.

• In this region, about 44,000 tonnes of natural uranium has been discovered.

Nuclear Power Plants in Operation

The following table lists down the functional nuclear power plants −

Nuclear Power Plants Under Construction

The following table lists down the nuclear power plants, which are under construction −

Planned Nuclear Power Plants

The following table lists down the planned nuclear power plant projects −