Jaitapur Nuclear Reactors: Maharashtra | 17 Dec 2021
Why in News
Recently, the Centre has given in-principle (first step ) approval for setting up of six nuclear power reactors at Jaitapur in Maharashtra.
- The Jaitpur Project is a key component of the strategic partnership between India and France.
Nuclear Power
- About:
- Nuclear power is clean and environment friendly, apart from having a “huge potential to ensure the country’s long-term energy security on a sustainable basis.
- The nuclear power plants have so far generated about 755 billion units of electricity, saving about 650 million Tonnes of CO2 emission.
- Contribution in Achieving Net Zero:
- Net zero targets are expected to be met through a combination of various clean energy sources, including nuclear power.
- The present nuclear power capacity of 6,780 MW is expected to be increased to 22,480 MW by 2031 on completion of projects.
Key Points
- About:
- Jaitapur would be the world’s most powerful nuclear power plant. There would be six state-of-the-art Evolutionary Power Reactors with an installed capacity of 9.6 GWe that will produce low carbon electricity.
- The six nuclear power reactors, which will have a capacity of 1,650 MW each, will be set up with technical cooperation from France.
- It would provide electricity to seven crore households. That’s huge. It’s a complex project. Both countries are dedicated to reaching an agreement.
- This project will embody the strong partnership between India and France, a commitment to low carbon future, and will directly benefit Maharashtra with thousands of local jobs
- Jaitapur would be the world’s most powerful nuclear power plant. There would be six state-of-the-art Evolutionary Power Reactors with an installed capacity of 9.6 GWe that will produce low carbon electricity.
- Status of Nuclear Energy in India:
- India has consciously proceeded to explore the possibility of tapping nuclear energy for the purpose of power generation.
- In this direction a three-stage nuclear power programme was formulated by Homi Bhabha in the 1950s.
- The Atomic Energy Act, 1962 was framed and implemented with the set objectives of using two naturally occurring elements Uranium and Thorium having good potential to be utilised as nuclear fuel in Indian Nuclear Power Reactors.
- Other measures taken to enhance the generation from nuclear power plants:
- Administrative approval and financial sanction for 10 indigenous 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR).
- PHWR is a nuclear power reactor, commonly using unenriched natural uranium as its fuel. It uses heavy water (Deuterium oxide D2O) as its coolant and moderator.
- Presently, India has 22 operating nuclear power reactors, with an installed capacity of 6780 MegaWatt electric (MWe).
- Among these eighteen reactors are Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and four are Light Water Reactors (LWRs).
- The Atomic Energy Act 1962 has also been amended to enable joint ventures of public sector companies to set up nuclear power projects.
- Administrative approval and financial sanction for 10 indigenous 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR).
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