- India aims to increase nuclear power production to 100,000 MW by 2047, signaling a significant shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
- The nation’s ambitious vision encompasses a diversified energy portfolio, including contributions from breeder reactors, light water reactors through international cooperation, and pressurized heavy water reactors.
- The imperative to phase down coal usage necessitates investment in carbon dioxide removal technologies, alongside robust infrastructure for alternative energy sources like nuclear power, to achieve long-term sustainability goals.
India is setting its sights high in the realm of nuclear energy, with plans to boost its production to a staggering 100,000 MW by 2047, a significant leap from its current output of over 8,000 MW. The announcement, made by Atomic Energy Commission Chairman A K Mohanty, underscores India’s ambitious agenda to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce its dependence on conventional fossil fuels, particularly coal.
This bold initiative comes in the wake of mounting global efforts to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, driven by the urgent need to combat climate change. Nuclear power, with its relatively low carbon emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels, is increasingly recognized as a pivotal element in this transition.
At the heart of this endeavor is a vision document for ‘Amrit Kaal’ being prepared by the Department of Atomic Energy. This roadmap envisions a nuclear capacity of about 100 GW by 2047, with contributions from various sources. Breeder reactors are expected to provide 3 GW of nuclear power, while 17.6 GW will be derived from light water reactors established through international cooperation. Additionally, a substantial portion, estimated at 40-45 GW, will come from pressurized heavy water reactors.
The release of the report titled ‘Synchronising Energy Transitions Towards Possible Net Zero for India: Affordable and Clean Energy for All’, which was largely funded by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, further emphasizes the significance of nuclear power in India’s energy transition. The report underscores the need for robust infrastructure to support alternative energy sources like nuclear power, alongside flexible grid systems and effective energy storage solutions to facilitate the integration of renewable energy.
Moreover, the report highlights the imperative for India to phase down its coal usage over the next three decades. To achieve this, the nation must invest in carbon dioxide removal technologies (CDRs) such as bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) and CCUS (carbon capture, utilization, and storage). These technologies offer promising avenues for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and steering India towards its long-term sustainability goals.
In essence, India’s ambitious target to ramp up its nuclear power capacity by 2047 underscores its commitment to addressing climate change, enhancing energy security, and fostering sustainable economic development through the adoption of clean and renewable energy sources.
