Syllabus: GS3/ Energy
Context
- Bihar is set to host its first nuclear power plant, making it one of the first six states to benefit from the Government of India’s National Nuclear Energy Mission.
About
- The announcement comes as part of a broader push to diversify India’s energy mix, strengthen regional energy security, and integrate advanced technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
- The Government has also approved a 1,000 MW battery storage capacity project in Bihar, aimed at enhancing grid stability and supporting renewable energy integration.
- The government will provide viability gap funding of Rs 18 lakh per MW for this initiative.
| What is Nuclear Energy? – Nuclear energy is the energy released during nuclear reactions, either through fission (splitting of atomic nuclei) or fusion (merging of atomic nuclei). – In nuclear fission, heavy atomic nuclei, such as those of uranium or plutonium, are split into lighter nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy. 1. This process is utilized in nuclear power plants to generate electricity. |
What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)?
- Small modular reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit, roughly one-third the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power plants.
- Small – physically a fraction of the size of a conventional nuclear power reactor.
- Modular – making it possible for systems and components to be factory-assembled and transported as a unit to a location for installation.
- Reactors – harnessing nuclear fission to generate heat to produce energy.
- There are four four main types of SMR i.e., light water, high temperature gas, liquid metal, and molten salt.
Advantages of SMR
- Enhanced Safety Features: SMRs utilize passive safety mechanisms, such as natural convection and gravity-driven cooling, which help prevent overheating without relying on external power or human intervention.
- Flexibility: The modular nature of SMRs allows for incremental power additions, which is ideal for growing energy needs.
- Suitability for Remote and Off-Grid Areas: SMRs compact design makes them adaptable for smaller grid systems and applications like district heating and water desalination.
- Cost-Effective Construction: Prefabrication in controlled environments reduces on-site construction time and costs.
Government Initiatives for Enhancing India’s Nuclear Capacity
- India aims to increase its nuclear installed capacity from the present 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031–32.
- Construction and commissioning of 10 Reactors with a total capacity of 8,000 MW is ongoing across the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
- International Collaboration: In-principle approval has been granted for setting up 6 × 1,208 MW nuclear power reactors in Kovvada, Andhra Pradesh, in cooperation with the United States.
Recent Developments in Nuclear Energy in India
- A significant new uranium deposit was discovered around India’s oldest uranium mine in Jaduguda (Jharkhand).
- Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP-7) Achieves Criticality: On September 19, 2024, Unit-7 of RAPP reached criticality, a key milestone in nuclear reactor operations, indicating the start of a self-sustained fission chain reaction.
- This is the third indigenous nuclear reactor to achieve this status.
- The Kakrapar Atomic Power Station Units 3 & 4, each of 700 MWe, started commercial operation in FY 2023–24.
- These are among the first indigenously designed Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) of this scale.
- India’s first 500 MWe PFBR at Kalpakkam achieved key milestones in 2024, including primary sodium filling, commissioning of sodium pumps, and core loading.
| Nuclear Energy Mission – Capacity Target: 100 GW by 2047 (Current capacity: 8 GW). – Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): ₹20,000 crore allocation for R&D and indigenous SMR development. 1. Goal: Five operational SMRs by 2033. – Private Sector Participation: Proposed amendments to key legislations: 1. Atomic Energy Act, 1962: Framework for nuclear energy development and regulation. 2. Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010: Ensuring compensation mechanisms for nuclear incidents. – Capacity Expansion: 10 new reactors (totaling 8 GW) under construction across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. 1. Approval for a 6×1208 MW nuclear plant in Andhra Pradesh in collaboration with the USA. – Nuclear Partnerships: Collaboration with the private sector to develop Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) and Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMRs). |
Source: IE
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