In-Depth: India’s Nuclear Energy Programme | 07 June, 2025

Summary

This video discusses India's nuclear energy development, highlighting its role in the country's future energy mix. India is aiming for 100 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2047, positioning itself as a global leader in advanced nuclear technology. The script explores the growth of India's nuclear energy sector, its advantages such as low carbon emissions and energy security, as well as challenges like safety concerns, high capital costs, and waste management. It also touches on the government's initiatives, including expanding nuclear power plants, advancing indigenous technologies, and engaging in public-private collaborations for future sustainability.

Takeaways

• 😀 India is the only developing nation to have indigenously developed, demonstrated, and deployed nuclear reactors for electricity generation.
• 😀 The government aims to achieve 100 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2047, positioning nuclear energy as a key pillar in India's energy mix.
• 😀 Nuclear power contributes around 3% to India's total electricity generation, with plans to increase its share with new reactor additions.
• 😀 Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of nuclear energy in India, with facilities like the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant contributing significantly.
• 😀 India is the 13th largest country in the world for nuclear power generation, with a focus on indigenous technology and international collaboration.
• 😀 Globally, nuclear power is experiencing a renaissance, with countries like South Korea, Japan, and the UK increasing their nuclear energy share.
• 😀 Nuclear energy offers several advantages, including low carbon emissions, high energy density, and the ability to provide reliable baseload power.
• 😀 Challenges in the nuclear sector include safety concerns, high capital costs, nuclear waste management, and dependence on imported uranium.
• 😀 India's strategy for scaling up nuclear energy includes policy support, infrastructure development, indigenous technology, and public-private collaborations.
• 😀 Significant advancements include the operation of indigenous reactors like the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project and the ongoing development of small modular reactors (SMRs).
• 😀 The government's focus on nuclear energy aligns with broader goals of sustainable growth, climate change mitigation, and ensuring energy security for the future.

Q & A

What is the government's target for nuclear power capacity in India by 2047?

The government has set a target of 100 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2047.

What role does nuclear energy play in India's energy strategy?

Nuclear energy plays a pivotal role in addressing India's growing power demands, reducing dependency on fossil fuels, and contributing to sustainable energy and economic growth.

Which state in India is the largest producer of nuclear energy?

Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of nuclear energy in India, hosting significant facilities like the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant.

What percentage of India's electricity is generated from nuclear power as of 2024?

As of 2024, nuclear energy contributes approximately 3% to India's total electricity generation.

What are the main advantages of nuclear energy?

The advantages of nuclear energy include low carbon emissions, high energy density, reliable and stable power supply, reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels, and the potential for long-term sustainability through advanced nuclear technologies.

What are some of the challenges faced by the nuclear energy sector in India?

The challenges include public apprehension about safety, high capital costs for plant construction, managing nuclear waste, and dependence on imported uranium, which raises geopolitical concerns.

What is the largest nuclear power plant in India?

The Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu is the largest in India, with an operational capacity of over 2000 MW, and further reactors are under construction to expand its capacity to 6000 MW.

How is nuclear energy in India positioned in the global context?

Nuclear power is witnessing a global renaissance, with countries like South Korea, Japan, the UK, and China increasing their reliance on nuclear energy. India is also positioning itself as a global leader in advanced nuclear technologies.

What is the government's approach to scaling up nuclear energy capacity in India?

The government is focusing on policy and regulatory support, infrastructure development, indigenous technological advancements, and public-private collaborations to scale up nuclear energy capacity. It has also proposed amendments to the Atomic Energy Act to involve the private sector.

How does India plan to address the challenges of nuclear waste management?

India is working on developing safe and long-term solutions for nuclear waste disposal, including reprocessing and recycling of spent fuel, to minimize waste accumulation.