Nuclear Power capacity likely to reach 22,480 MW by 2031

Minister of Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the share of nuclear power in the total electricity generation in the country is about 3.1% in the year 2020-21. In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, he said, the Government has embarked on a large nuclear power capacity addition program to increase the share of nuclear power in electricity generation. He said, more nuclear power plants are also planned in future and the nuclear power capacity is expected to reach 22,480 MW by the year 2031 from the current 6,780 MW.

There are presently 22 reactors with a total capacity of 6,780 MW in operation and one reactor, KAPP-3 (700 MW) has been connected to the grid on January 10, 2021. Ten (10) nuclear power reactors with 8,000 MW capacity (including 500 MW PFBR being implemented by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited {BHAVINI}) are under construction. Additionally, the Government has accorded administrative approval and financial sanction of ten (10) indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) of 700 MW each to be set up in fleet mode.