The present installed nuclear power capacity in the country is 6780 MW comprising of 22 operational nuclear power reactors. In addition, one reactor, KAPP-3 (700 MW) has also been connected to the grid in January- 2021.
India is not very rich in fossil fuel resources and considering the large and growing energy demand, all energy sources are deployed optimally. Nuclear power is a clean and environment friendly base load source of electricity generation, which is available 24X7. It also has a huge potential and can provide the country long term energy security in a sustainable manner. Expansion of nuclear power capacity will help in the country’s energy transition for meeting the goal of net zero economy.
“Hon’ble Prime Minister in his statement at COP26 Summit held in Glasgow has stated that India will reach its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030 and India will meet 50 percent of its energy requirements from Renewable Energy by 2030.”
In this regard, total of 79 no. of hydro schemes with an aggregate capacity of more than 30000 MW (comprising 11 Pumped Storage Schemes of 8700 MW) have been envisaged for capacity addition during the period 2019-2020 to 2029-30. This include 12663.5 MW of HE projects under construction for providing benefits during this period. Out of the above 79 projects, 5 hydro schemes with capacity of 1023 MW have since been commissioned. The existing nuclear power capacity of 6780 MW is going to be increased to 22480 MW by the year 2031 on progressive completion of projects under construction and accorded sanction. More nuclear power plants are also planned in future. Similarly a total capacity of 31665 MW of coal based capacity are in the various stages of construction.
This information was given by Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions and Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
