India’s Nuclear Energy Capacity Sees Unprecedented Growth, Says Dr. Jitendra Singh

 New Delhi – India’s nuclear power sector has witnessed remarkable growth over the past decade, with nuclear power generation capacity surging from 22,480 MW in 2014 to 35,333 MW today, while the installed capacity has nearly doubled from 4,780 MW to 8,880 MW, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Atomic Energy Dr. Jitendra Singh informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Responding to a discussion on nuclear power plants, Dr. Singh underscored the government’s commitment to expanding nuclear energy infrastructure. He highlighted a 170% increase in the budgetary allocation for the Department of Atomic Energy, which has risen from ₹13,889 crore in 2014 to ₹23,604 crore in 2025, reflecting the sector’s growing significance.

Strategic Expansion and New Projects

A major milestone in India’s nuclear policy was the 2017 Union Cabinet decision to approve 10 new reactors in a single sitting, an unprecedented move aimed at accelerating domestic nuclear energy production. The latest Union Budget has reinforced this momentum, allocating funds for a dedicated nuclear mission to further strengthen India’s nuclear capabilities.

Dr. Singh emphasized Rajasthan’s key role in nuclear energy production, with the state hosting seven out of India’s 25 operational reactors. He announced the revival of a previously non-functional unit and confirmed the establishment of a new reactor in Gorakhnagar, Haryana, signaling an expansion of nuclear infrastructure beyond the traditional hubs of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

Opening Doors to Private Sector Participation

In a significant policy shift, the government is inviting private sector participation in the nuclear power industry. "The Prime Minister has decided to open up the nuclear sector to private players, ensuring a broader resource pool and faster project implementation," Dr. Singh stated. This aligns with global best practices, fostering technological advancement while reducing reliance on public funding.

Safety First: Rigorous Measures in Place

Addressing concerns about radiation safety, Dr. Singh reiterated India’s commitment to stringent safety protocols. The nuclear energy sector follows a “safety first, production next” approach, with:

• Quarterly safety monitoring during construction

• Biannual checks during operation

• Comprehensive safety reviews every five years

Citing a Tata Memorial study, he assured that radiation exposure near nuclear plants remains well below national averages, dismissing fears regarding health risks. Furthermore, radiation levels at Kudankulam and Kalpakkam have shown a significant decline over the years, with Kudankulam’s levels dropping from 0.081 micro-sieverts in 2014 to just 0.002, and Kalpakkam’s decreasing from 23.14 to 15.96 micro-sieverts.

Efficient Nuclear Waste Management

Dr. Singh also addressed nuclear waste disposal concerns, emphasizing that India adheres to global best practices. He explained that:

• Each nuclear plant stores waste on-site for 5-7 years

• Waste is then transferred to ‘Away From Reactor’ (AFR) facilities for long-term storage and reuse

Dismissing speculation about Kudankulam and Kalpakkam being used as central waste repositories, he affirmed that each facility efficiently manages its own waste.

Future Expansion: Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh in Focus

Regarding uranium exploration in Rajasthan, the Minister confirmed that environmental clearances are pending, but efforts are ongoing to expedite the process. Once approvals are secured, Rajasthan is expected to become a key contributor to India’s uranium reserves, boosting the nuclear energy program.

In Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Singh provided updates on nuclear projects:

• The Chutka Nuclear Project has completed key formalities, including land acquisition and environmental clearance, while resettlement challenges are being addressed.

• The Shivpuri project is awaiting final arrangements for water supply, with discussions in progress.

• Future expansion under the nuclear mission could extend to the Khandwa region.

A Vision for a Self-Sufficient Nuclear Future

With India’s nuclear power sector growing at an unprecedented pace, Dr. Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustainable, safe, and self-reliant nuclear energy development. "We are dedicated to expanding nuclear power as a clean energy source, ensuring stringent safety measures, and integrating private sector expertise to achieve self-reliance in nuclear technology," he concluded.