Context:
The Government of India has identified three old thermal power plant sites for developing new nuclear power projects as part of its plan to expand nuclear energy capacity. The move aims to utilise existing land, water, and transmission infrastructure while addressing challenges related to nuclear exclusion zones and environmental concerns.
- Nuclear power is generated through nuclear fission, where atoms such as Uranium-235 release energy in reactors.
- India aims to increase nuclear power capacity from around 8 GW to 100 GW by 2047 as part of clean energy transition goals.
- Nuclear power is considered a low-carbon baseload energy source that supports energy security and climate commitments.
- Old thermal power sites are being considered because they already possess land availability, cooling water access, transmission infrastructure, and industrial connectivity.
- Nuclear plants are regulated by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) under strict safety norms.
- Exclusion Zone refers to the area surrounding a nuclear reactor where habitation and economic activity are restricted for safety reasons.
- India is also exploring Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which are compact nuclear reactors with lower land and safety requirements.
- Nuclear energy development in India is primarily overseen by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited).
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Nuclear Energy Expansion through Repurposed Thermal Sites