Nuclear Energy in India
Nuclear energy is a type of energy found in the nucleus/core of the atom. This energy can be used in a variety of ways, including generating electricity. Nuclear power is India’s fifth-largest source of electricity generation. Currently, the nuclear fission of uranium and plutonium produces most of the electricity in nuclear plants. As of November 2020, 7 nuclear plants with a total capacity of 7380 Megawatts and 22 nuclear reactors were operationally ready. Nuclear power generated a total capacity of 43Twh in 2020-2021, accounting for 3.11 percent of total electricity production in the country. India is making significant progress in the development of thorium-based fuels, which will be used in the design of atomic reactors.
Total electricity generation and growth in India during 2017-18 to 2022-23 – Central Electricity Authority (CEA), in Billion Unit (BU)
YEAR | Total Generation | Growth % |
---|---|---|
2017-18 | 1,308.146 | 5.35 |
2018-19 | 1,376.095 | 5.19 |
2019-20 | 1,389.102 | 0.95 |
2020-21 | 1,381.827 | -2.49 |
2021-22 | 1,491.859 | 7.96 |
2022-23* | 286.486 | 16.71 |
In this, Nuclear power generation is 43Twh in 2020-2021, accounts 3.11 percent of total electricity production in the country.
Facts and Fears Associated with Nuclear Energy Programme
It is one of the fastest-growing countries in every sector, which increases the demand for energy. With the growing economy, population, urbanisation, and industrialization, according to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) India Energy Outlook 2021, India needs more energy. Since 2000, energy consumption has risen, with coal and oil providing the majority of the supply. This is projected to increase by 35% through 2030. The need for nuclear energy is growing with the increasing world population, economic development, and climate change, and India should expand its nuclear energy program. The Indian government has also set a number of goals for expanding nuclear energy in the country.
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