(a) whether the nuclear power stations in the country are not operating with their 100
per cent capacity utilization due to constraints in uranium supply;
(b) if so, the details thereof including the capacity at which they are operating at
present; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PRIME MINISTER`S OFFICE (SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)
(a) Out of the 15 nuclear power reactors in operation in the country, two reactors, Tarapur
Atomic Power Station Units 1 & 2 (2.x 160 MWe) are operating at full capacity. Other 13 reactors
are Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) and are being operated at normative capacity due to
temporary demand - supply mismatch of natural uranium.
(b) Tarapur Atomic Power Station - 4(540 MWe) and Madras Atomic Power Station -1 (220 MWe) are
operating at 90% capacity. Nine reactors of 220 MWe are operating at 70%. Two reactors Rajasthan
Atomic Power Station - 1 & Narora Atomic Power Station -1 are shut down for refurbishment.
(c) Uranium Corporation of India Limited is now operating four underground mines producing
uranium ore to meet the requirement. New mines have also been planned in six more areas of
which work at two sites has already been taken up. Adequate reserves have been identified by
Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research in different parts of the country.
Techno-feasibility of opening new mines in these areas is also looked into. These measures
have been initiated to augment supply to meet the projected requirement of fuel for the Atomic
Energy Programme.