Production of Nuclear Power

The Integrated Energy Policy-2006 envisages possibilities of reaching a nuclear power capacity of 63,000 MW by the year 2032.The estimated investment is Rs.10 crore/MW at 2010 prices.

The 2009-10 average nuclear tariff of about Rs.2.30/KWh is quite comparable to thermal power. Nuclear Power is competitive with coal thermal power at locations away from coal mines. Most of hydel power comes from multipurpose dams (costs are shared amongst flood control, irrigation and power); is seasonal, location-specific and not compared for base load needs.

There are 19 nuclear power reactors (4560 MW) in operation. 7 reactors (1400 MW) use imported fuel and work at full power, 9 reactors (2630 MW) use domestic uranium. Nuclear power reactors are capital intensive and the efforts to optimize cost of generation are directed at optimization of design, longer life, reduction of gestation period, adopting business models & financing strategies to minimize costs, and to operate at high capacity factors.

This Information was given by Sh.Prithviraj Chavan, Minister of State for Science & Technology & Earth Sciences, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions & Parliamentary Affairs in reply to a written question in Lok Sabha recently.

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SBS/RS