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Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh said nuclear energy is an important component of the country’s energy mix and is being pursued along with other sources of energy in an optimal manner. In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today, he said, Nuclear energy is a clean, environment-friendly baseload source of power available 24X7. It also has huge potential which can ensure the long-term energy security of the country in a sustainable manner.
There are presently 22 reactors with a total capacity of 6780 MW in operation and one reactor, KAPP-3 (700 MW) has been connected to the grid on January 10, 2021. In addition, there are 8 reactors (including 500 MW PFBR being implemented by BHAVINI) totaling to 6000 MW under construction at various stages.
The Government has accorded administrative approval and financial sanction for the construction of 12 nuclear power reactors – 10 indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) to be set up in fleet mode & 2 units of Light Water Reactors (LWRs) to be set up in cooperation with Russian Federation. On progressive completion of the projects under construction and accorded sanction, the nuclear capacity is expected to reach 22480 MW by 2031. The Government has also accorded ‘In-Principle’ approval for five new sites for locating nuclear power plants in the future.
