Nuclear Power Importance , editorial 12 December, 2022 1ssue

Nuclear Power Importance 

Nuclear power is a resource of utmost importance in present era to meet growing energy needs.

Nuclear energy protects air quality by producing massive amounts of carbon-free electricity. It powers communities in different countries of world  and contributes to many non-electric applications, ranging from the medical field to space exploration.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh recently  said, Government proposes to set up more nuclear power plants for augmenting production of clean energy.

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Dr Jitendra Singh said, in addition to the eleven (11) reactors (8700 MW) under construction, the Government has accorded administrative approval and financial sanction for construction of ten (10) indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) to be set up in fleet mode.

The government has also accorded in principle approval for five new sites for setting up nuclear power plants in the future.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, the tariffs of electricity generated by nuclear power are comparable to those of contemporary conventional base load generators like thermal power. The present installed nuclear power capacity comprises of 22 reactors with a total capacity of 6780 MW. In addition, one reactor, KAPP-3 (700 MW) has also been connected to the grid.

Nuclear power is the most low-carbon energy sources. It also has one of the smallest carbon footprints. It’s one of the answers to the energy gap. It’s essential to our response to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.

One hopes India as a Country would continue to focus on nuclear power .