India to build nuclear power plants in this state bordering Pakistan, government approves…

What comes as good news for Rajasthan, a state bordering Pakistan, is that a major nuclear project is going to start in the state. The mega project also got the green light from India’s nuclear regulator to build four 700 MW capacity units of nuclear power reactors in Mahi Banswara.

AERB Approved The Project

After three levels of review, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has approved the project site. These indigenously developed reactors will play a crucial role in meeting the country’s energy needs.

After approving the project, the AERB stated that the consent will be reviewed again if the conditions are not followed. The Mahi Banswara project is being implemented by Anushakti Vidyut Nigam. It is a joint venture of NPCIL and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).

These Companies To Build Nuclear Power Plants

India’s Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (Bhavini) currently hold the authority to construct and manage nuclear power plants. A 2015 amendment to the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 enabled joint ventures between NPCIL and other public sector entities for this purpose. Meanwhile, ongoing genomic surveillance is monitoring for new COVID-19 variants. Current cases are reported as mild, and the public is advised to remain vigilant but not alarmed.

It is worth noting that India is the world’s fastest-growing economy and it requires a significant amount of electricity. To meet the electricity needs of high economic growth and the requirement of 1.3 billion people, the country needs to make and take action on big plans, on which work is also being done rapidly.

Coal Is The Major Source Of Energy

India primarily generates electricity from coal but is actively expanding its renewable energy sector, encompassing solar, wind, hydro, and biomass power. Nuclear power generation is also being developed.

India’s nuclear power generation capacity has significantly expanded over the past decade, nearly doubling from 4,780 MW in 2014 to 8,180 MW in 2024. Further growth is projected, with a threefold increase to 22,480 MW anticipated by 2031-32.

Thorium Reserve

Notably, India has an abundant reserve of thorium, which amounts to 21 percent of the global thorium. To make better use of the resource, indigenous projects such as Bhavani are being developed so that the dependency on importing uranium and other materials can be reduced.

Currently, as many as nine atomic power projects are under construction, while several others are in the pipeline will start in the coming years.

News