Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Feb 12: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, today asserted in the Rajya Sabha that India’s nuclear energy programme is in a decisive expansion phase, backed by policy reforms, private sector participation and clearly defined capacity targets extending up to 2047.
The Minister said India’s installed nuclear capacity, which stood at 4,780 MW in 2014, has risen to 8,780 MW and is projected to reach 22,380 MW by 2031-32, 47 GW by 2037, 67 GW by 2042 and 100 GW by 2047. He affirmed that India is moving forward with self-reliance and confidence, and that geopolitical developments will not affect or derail ongoing nuclear projects.
Replying to supplementaries raised by R. Girirajan, Jairam Ramesh, Ram Gopal Yadav and M. Thambidurai, the Minister addressed concerns relating to timelines, international negotiations, fuel security, CSR initiatives, and power-sharing arrangements.
Responding to questions on the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, Dr. Jitendra Singh said Units 3 and 4 are targeted for completion by 2026-27, while Units 5 and 6 are scheduled by 2030. He stated that there is no reason to apprehend any disruption due to recent geopolitical developments, including shifts in India-US relations.
Tracing the project’s history, he said the Kudankulam project was conceived in 1988, construction began in 2002, and the first unit became operational in December 2014 after the present government assumed office. The subsequent operationalisation of the first two units within the last decade reflects a clear implementation framework and disciplined adherence to timelines.
On a query regarding Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives within the 16-kilometre emergency planning zone, the Minister said that the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited undertakes CSR and Rehabilitation & Resettlement (R&R) activities for communities around all nuclear facilities.
He informed the House that significant allocations have been made under CSR, with Rs 168 crore spent in the current financial year across projects. Specific figures for Kudankulam over the last four years would be furnished separately. He added that such initiatives focus on infrastructure, healthcare, education and skill development for local communities.
Addressing a question on negotiations concerning the proposed six 1600 MW reactors at Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project, Dr Jitendra Singh said that discussions have been ongoing and that while the technical agreement framework is in place, certain commercial aspects remain under consideration. He indicated that the matter is being pursued in coordination with relevant ministries, keeping national interest paramount.
On concerns regarding uranium imports and possible supply disruptions in a volatile global environment, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that India has strengthened its energy security significantly over the last decade. He said nuclear capacity has more than doubled since 2014 and that policy measures, including recent enabling provisions and duty exemptions for nuclear plant equipment imports up to 2035, are aimed at accelerating domestic capability. He said the expansion roadmap demonstrates that India is not dependent solely on external sources and is steadily enhancing indigenous potential.
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