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Parliamentary Q&A: Nuclear Power Production Increase in India

UPSC / SSC current affairs note

Science and TechnologyEnergyGovernment Policies and InterventionsParliament and State Legislatures

Why in news

Parliament passed the SHANTI Act 2025 to boost nuclear energy capacity to 100 GW by 2047. The government announced the Nuclear Energy Mission (NEM) in Budget 2025-26. Details of reactor projects and new small modular reactor designs were provided in Rajya Sabha.

Background

India has been expanding its nuclear power capacity with indigenous and international collaborations. The new SHANTI Act enables private sector participation. The Nuclear Energy Mission aims to increase nuclear share in the energy mix.

Key facts

in5points

  1. Parliament passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025, targeting 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047.

  2. The SHANTI Act allows broad participation from both public and private sectors.

  3. In the last 10 years, 13 reactors totaling 10,600 MW were at various stages; 4 reactors (3,100 MW) have started commercial operation.

  4. Commercial reactors: KKNPP-2 (1x1000 MW), KAPP-3&4 (2x700 MW), RAPP-7 (1x700 MW).

  5. 9 reactors (7,500 MW) are under construction: RAPP-8 (700 MW), KKNPP-3&4 (2x1000 MW), KKNPP-5&6 (2x1000 MW), Kaiga-5&6 (2x700 MW), GHAVP-1&2 (2x700 MW).

  6. Government approved 10 indigenous PHWRs in fleet mode and 2 Russian-aided units (KKNPP-5&6).

  7. New PHWRs: Kaiga-5&6, GHAVP-3&4, Chutka-1&2, Mahi Banswara-1&2, Mahi Banswara-3&4 (all 2x700 MW).

  8. Mahi Banswara projects are executed by joint venture 'ASHWINI' (NPCIL & NTPC). KKNPP-5&6 are with Russian cooperation.

  9. BARC is developing Small Modular Reactors: BSMAR-200 (220 MWe), SMR-55 (55 MWe), and HTGR (5 MWth for hydrogen).

  10. Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) of 500 MW at Kalpakkam is indigenously built; pre-project activities for FBR-1&2 (2x500 MW) approved.

Prelims pointers

  • SHANTI Act 2025
  • Nuclear Energy Mission (NEM)
  • 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047
  • BARC: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
  • BSMAR-200, SMR-55, HTGR
  • PFBR: Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (500 MW)
  • KKNPP: Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant
  • KAPP: Kakrapar Atomic Power Project
  • RAPP: Rajasthan Atomic Power Project
  • GHAVP: Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana

Mains angles

  • Discuss the significance of the SHANTI Act 2025 in transforming India's nuclear energy sector.
  • Examine the role of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in India's energy security and climate goals.
  • Critically analyze the challenges in achieving 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047.
  • Evaluate the impact of private sector participation in nuclear energy under the new act.
  • Compare India's nuclear energy program with global trends in nuclear power generation.
Parliamentary Q&A: Nuclear Power Production Increase in India — UPSC Current Affairs · in5points