India ranks 12th in terms of power generation from nuclear source

As per recently published data, India has been placed at 12th position among the 31 countries in the world in terms of power (electricity) generation from nuclear source.
The data was published by the Power Reactor Information System (PRIS) of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). However, India was placed at 6th position in terms of number of reactors in operation country-wise.
Present installed nuclear power capacity of India is around 5780 MW. This capacity is expected to increase to 10080 MW on progressive completion of projects under construction and commissioning by 2019.
Current projects are

• Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP) Units I and II with capacity of 2X700 MW and Kudankulam Units III and IV with capacity of 2X1000 MW are expected to be launched by end of 2015. Thus, they will add additional 3400 MW capacity.
• 1 Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) of 500 MW capacity is in the stage of commissioning at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. While, construction of 2 more FBR I and II of 600 MW capacity each are also planned at Kalpakkam.

In order to meet, nuclear fuel demand India has signed nuclear agreements with number of countries including US, Canada, Kazakhstan, Russia, France, Australia, Namibia, Mongolia, South Korea, Argentina, United Kingdom and Sri Lanka.
Apart from singing agreements, India also has opened paths for negotiation with other friendly countries that have potential to make contribution to country’s nuclear energy programme.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2015