Union Cabinet cleared the proposal to construct 10 indigenous pressurised heavy water nuclear reactors (PHWR)with a total capacity of 7,000 MWe. The 10 PHWR project will result in a significant augmentation of nuclear power generation capacity.
Need for Indigenous Reactors
Troubles for India’s international collaborations in nuclear projects. U.S. deal, involving Toshiba Westinghouse for six reactors in Andhra Pradesh, is floundering after Westinghouse filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The deal with French company Areva for reactors in Jaitapur remain in negotiations over costing.
Key Facts
- First of its kind project for India’s nuclear power sector, the ten new units will come up in homegrown initiative.
- 10 plants would create Rs. 70,000 crore worth of business for domestic manufacturers.
- It would be one of the flagship Make in India projects in this sector.
- It will be part of India’s latest design of 700 MW PHWR fleet with state-of-art technology with highest safety.
Benefits
- The project will help transform Indian nuclear industry by linking our goal of a strong nuclear power sector with our indigenous industrial capacities in high-end technologies.
- It is expected to generate more than 33,400 jobs in direct and indirect employment.
- Aims to prioritise the use of clean power in India’s energy production.
- The project supports India’s commitment to sustainable development, energy self-sufficiency and bolsters global efforts to combat climate change.
Current Capacity of India
India has current installed nuclear power capacity of 6780 MW from 22 operational plants. Another 6700 MWs of nuclear power is expected to come on stream by 2021-22 through projects presently under construction. India generated 37,674 million units of nuclear energy in 2016-17, according to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India.
Source : The Hindu
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