India will touch a milestone in nuclear power generation riding on last decade's progress

India’s energy landscape has undergone a significant transformation in recent years.

With growing energy demands fuelled by rapid industrialization and urbanization, the country has prioritized diversifying its energy mix to ensure sustainable and reliable power supply.

Among the many avenues explored, nuclear energy has emerged as a critical component of India’s strategy.

On Wednesday (Dec. 11), Indian minister for department of atomic energy, Jitendra Singh, emphasized the revision of India’s power distribution framework, which has increased the southern state of Tamil Nadu's share of electricity from atomic plants to 50 percent, with 35 percent allocated to neighbouring states and 15 percent to the national grid.

The minister stated in the parliament that India's nuclear power generation capacity, which has grown from 4,780 MW in 2014 to 8,180 MW in 2024, is projected to touch a milestone of 22,480 MW by 2031-32.

Over the past decade, India has successfully doubled its nuclear power generation, positioning itself as a key player in the global nuclear energy sector.

India’s electricity demand has risen exponentially due to its burgeoning population and expanding economy.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), India’s energy consumption is expected to grow at an annual rate of over 3 percent, making it one of the fastest-growing energy markets globally.

Nuclear energy provides a stable and low-carbon source of power, complementing renewable energy sources like solar and wind.

As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, India has committed to reducing its carbon emissions intensity and increasing its share of non-fossil fuel energy capacity.

Nuclear power, which emits negligible greenhouse gases during operation, aligns with India’s goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030.

Doubling nuclear power generation has significantly contributed to these objectives.

The Indian government has played a pivotal role in promoting nuclear energy through policy initiatives and institutional backing.

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) have spearheaded the development and expansion of nuclear power plants across the country. Key initiatives include:

Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act: These amendments allowed joint ventures with public sector companies to accelerate nuclear power projects.

Strategic partnerships: Collaborations with countries like Russia, France, and the United States have facilitated technology transfer and the construction of new reactors.

Financial incentives: The government has allocated significant resources to nuclear infrastructure, including a proposed budget allocation of over $11 billion for nuclear projects.

India’s existing fleet of nuclear reactors has seen substantial expansion, with the addition of new units and the operationalization of under-construction projects.

As of 2024, India operates 22 nuclear reactors with a combined capacity exceeding 8,000 MW, compared to approximately 4,780 MW in 2014.

Notable achievements include commissioning new units at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (Tamil Nadu) in collaboration with Russia, operationalizing indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) under the Make in India initiative, and progress on Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) technology, which utilizes thorium, a resource India possesses in abundance.

India’s emphasis on indigenous research and development has led to significant technological advancements in nuclear power.

The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has developed efficient and safe reactor designs tailored to India’s needs. These include:

PHWRs: Utilizing natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as a moderator, these reactors have proven cost-effective and reliable.

Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs): These reactors generate more fissile material than they consume, ensuring a sustainable fuel cycle.

Thorium-Based Reactors: India is pioneering the use of thorium, a more abundant resource in the country, to reduce reliance on imported uranium.

India’s civil nuclear agreements with countries like the United States, Russia, and Japan have unlocked access to advanced technologies and nuclear fuel supplies.

Agreements such as the India-US Civil Nuclear Deal and the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) waiver have enabled India to import uranium and build reactors using international expertise.

The benefits of India's doubling nuclear power include:

Energy security: With limited domestic reserves of fossil fuels, India’s reliance on energy imports has been a persistent challenge.

Nuclear power provides a reliable and indigenous source of energy, reducing dependence on volatile international markets.

Environmental benefits: Nuclear power’s low carbon footprint has helped India reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

By replacing coal-fired power plants with nuclear facilities, India has avoided millions of tons of CO2 emissions annually.

Economic growth: The expansion of nuclear power has created jobs, spurred industrial growth, and boosted the domestic manufacturing sector.

The Make in India initiative has further supported local production of reactor components, contributing to the economy.

Despite its benefits, nuclear power faces multiple challenges, including resistance from local communities due to safety concerns and fears of radiation.

Nuclear power projects require substantial upfront investment, often taking years to become operational. Securing financing and maintaining cost efficiency remain significant challenges.

Ensuring compliance with international safety standards and addressing technical challenges, such as waste management and decommissioning, are critical for sustainable nuclear growth.

Despite progress, India remains outside the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), limiting its access to certain advanced technologies and collaborations.

India’s success in doubling its nuclear power generation over the past decade highlights its commitment to a sustainable and diversified energy future.

By leveraging technological innovation, international cooperation, and policy support, India has established itself as a leader in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

However, achieving its long-term energy and climate goals will require overcoming challenges and maintaining a balanced approach.

As India continues to harness the potential of nuclear energy, it paves the way for a cleaner, greener, and more resilient energy landscape.