New Delhi. The future of energy in India will now be decided not by coal but by the power of nuclear. The country’s largest power company NTPC has now shifted its focus from thermal to nuclear energy. The company has started searching for land to set up nuclear power plants in 16 states of the country. The objective is to rapidly move India towards ‘net-zero’ target in the coming decades and reduce dependence on coal in power generation.
This move comes at a time when the central government is preparing to make changes in the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, so that foreign technology partners and investors can enter India’s nuclear energy sector. The government wants India to join the ranks of the world’s leading countries in the field of nuclear energy in the next two decades.
Strategy beyond coal
NTPC is the largest power producing company in the country, which currently produces more than 70% of the electricity from coal. But the company knows that the period of coal is now limited. NTPC aims to increase its capacity to 150 GW by 2032, and contribute 30 GW alone towards the government’s 100 GW nuclear energy target by 2047. This project will be possible with an investment of about 62 billion dollars.
In September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation of the 2,800 MW NTPC-NPCIL joint venture nuclear project in Banswara, Rajasthan. This is NTPC’s first major entry in the nuclear energy field. Now the company is preparing to set up plants on a large scale at five to six new sites.
Why is nuclear energy important?
Nuclear energy is considered the most reliable source of ‘clean power’. Unlike coal, it does not produce smoke or carbon emissions, and once the reactor is started, it can produce electricity continuously for years. Its fuel produces a lot of energy in a very small amount, which means it is many times more efficient than coal or gas.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), one kg of uranium produces as much electricity as 1 million kg of coal. Not only this, nuclear plants do not have to depend on the weather like renewable energy, making them the most reliable source for ‘base load’ power i.e. 24×7 electricity.
Which countries are using it?
France produces about 70% of its electricity from nuclear plants. There are more than 90 reactors running in America which provide 19% of its total electricity. Russia, China and Japan are also largely dependent on nuclear energy, and now countries like South Korea, UAE, Finland are also adopting new generation nuclear technology. India also entered this field with its first reactor in 1969, but now it is moving rapidly towards growth.
NTPC’s technical direction
NTPC is currently focusing on Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology, which is already in use in India and is economical in terms of cost. The company is planning to purchase several reactors simultaneously so that costs can be reduced and work can be started on big projects. In the coming years, India’s focus will be on ‘Made in India’ reactors so that foreign dependence is reduced and domestic capacity is increased.
Future of nuclear energy for India
At present, India’s nuclear power capacity is 8,180 MW, which is only 2% of the country’s total power generation capacity. But with this mission of NTPC, this figure can increase manifold in the coming two decades. If the 30 GW plan is completed, it will prove to be the biggest turning point for India from coal to green energy. Nuclear power is not only clean and efficient, but it also guarantees sustainable energy for the next 50 years. In such a situation, this step of NTPC can become the biggest chapter not only of the company but also of India’s energy transition story where behind every light there will now be the power of nuclear and not coal.
