The ‘Vision Document for Amrit Kaal' by Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) envisages reaching a nuclear capacity of about 100 GW by 2047.
Status of Nuclear Energy in India
- It accounts for about 3% of India’s total electricity generation in 2022-23, making it fifth-largest source of electricity in country.
- Nuclear Power Corporation India Limited (NPCIL) currently operates 24 reactors across 7 power plants with total capacity of 8180 MW.
Need for Nuclear Energy by India
- Growing energy demand: Due to India's expanding population and growing economy as India is set to become the third-largest by the end of decade.
- Limited fossil fuel resources: Dependence on imports for coal, oil, and natural gas, pose risk to energy security and economic stability.
- Environmental benefits: Every unit of nuclear power replacing coal-based power saves 1 kg of CO2 emissions and can help India become net-zero emitter by 2070.
Concerns associated with Nuclear Energy
- Raw material: Lack of uranium reserves and import dependency constraints expansion.
- High upfront cost: High capital costs as compared to energy sources like coal and natural gas.
- Radioactive waste: Long term storage and safe disposal of radioactive material along with public fear due to incidents like Chernobyl.
Steps taken by Government for Nuclear Energy
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