Context: The Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Space informed the Lok Sabha that India has doubled its power generation capacity over the last decade, achieving growth that matches the progress made in the previous 60 years.
More On News:
- Nuclear power generation growth: India’s nuclear power capacity has nearly doubled from 4,780 MW in 2014 to 8,180 MW in 2024.
- Projected future growth: The capacity is expected to triple to 22,480 MW by 2031-32.
- Power distribution formula: A revised framework allocates 50% of nuclear energy to the home state, 35% to neighboring states, and 15% to the national grid, promoting equitable resource distribution.
- Key initiatives driving growth:
- Approval of 10 new reactors.
- Increased funding and collaborations with PSUs.
- Limited private sector participation.
- Technological advancements and streamlined administrative processes.
- Diverse applications of nuclear energy:
- Agriculture: Development of 70 mutagenic crop varieties.
- Healthcare: Introduction of advanced isotopes for cancer treatment.
- Defense: Development of lightweight, cost-effective bulletproof jackets.
- Thorium reserves: India has 21% of global thorium reserves, with projects like “Bhavani” aiming to reduce dependency on imported uranium.
- Current projects: Nine nuclear power projects are under construction, with several more in the pre-project stage.
- Challenges: Issues like land acquisition, forest clearances, and equipment procurement remain, but the government is committed to overcoming them.
- Historical perspective: The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant has gained momentum since 2014.
- Commitment to peaceful purposes: India is dedicated to using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, as envisioned by Dr. Homi Bhabha, and for sustainable development.
Thorium Reserves in India
- India has significant reserves of thorium, with 11.93 million tonnes of monazite (thorium-bearing mineral) containing about 1.07 million tonnes of thorium.
- State-wise Thorium Resources (as of 2014):
