India aim to generate 1 lakh MW of nuclear power by 2047

Nuclear power: India has set an ambitious target in nuclear power sector, aiming to scale up its production to 1 lakh MW by 2047, as announced by Atomic Energy Commission Chairman A K Mohanty. This goal marks a substantial increase from current production level of over 8,000 MW.

During release of a report titled 'Synchronising Energy Transitions Towards Possible Net Zero for India: Affordable and Clean Energy for All', largely funded by Office of Principal Scientific viser to government of India, Mohanty underscored significance of this vision. Ravi B Grover, Chairman Emeritus of Homi Bhabha National Institute, emphasized importance of report, especially considering previous studies that downplayed role of nuclear energy in India's energy transition due to high input costs and public acceptance challenges.

Mohanty outlined strategic romap to achieve this ambitious target, revealing that Department of Atomic Energy is preparing a vision document for 'Amrit Kaal'. This vision aims to reach a nuclear capacity of about 100 GW by 2047, with contributions from various sources. Breeder reactors are expected to contribute 3 GW of nuclear power, while 17.6 GW will come from light water reactors with international cooperation, and an ditional 40-45 GW from pressurised heavy water reactors.

accompanying report emphasized importance of India phasing down coal usage in next three deces, highlighting need for robust infrastructure for alternative sources such as nuclear power. It also stressed significance of flexible grid infrastructure and storage to facilitate integration of renewable energy sources. Furrmore, report suggested that if India chooses to continue its reliance on coal, it should explore carbon dioxide technologies (CDRs) like bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) and CCUS to comprehend ir long-term potential fully.

With PTI Inputs