India had scaled nuclear power generation dramatically over the last decade, with the capacity jumping nearly double from 4,780 MW in 2014 to 8,180 MW in 2024. This achievement was highlighted by Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh while making his address in Lok Sabha. The minister further explained the developments made in the atomic energy program of India. She said that India has a vision to improve self-reliance in nuclear power generation and is committed to sustainable development.
Dr. Singh outlined India’s revised power distribution framework, which aims to equitably distribute electricity generated from atomic plants. Under the new system, 50% of the power is allocated to the state hosting the nuclear facility, 35% is distributed to neighboring states, and the remaining 15% is supplied to the national grid. This structure reflects a federal approach to resource allocation and ensures that the benefits of nuclear power are shared across the nation.
In the near future, India’s nuclear power generation will become threefold at 22,480 MW by 2031-32. According to Dr Singh, so many factors have undergone a transformation that include the approval of 10 new reactors, increased funds, PSUs as well as selective private participation. Technical upgradation and simplification in the administrative process have further empowered the country’s nuclear infrastructure to put projects into action very effectively and appropriately.
Dr. Singh also emphasized other applications of atomic energy, such as power generation. Indian scientists have been able to develop 70 mutagenic crop varieties using atomic energy, which has ensured food security in the country. Atomic energy technology is also being utilized in the healthcare sector; advanced isotopes produced through nuclear processes are being used in cancer treatment, ensuring affordable and effective solutions. Another application of atomic energy is in the defense sector where innovations like lightweight, cost-effective bulletproof jackets were developed.
The Minister underlined India’s significant thorium reserves at 21% of the total in the world. Indigenous projects like “Bhavani” would utilize these thorium reserves, thereby significantly reducing the import of uranium and hence increasing the energy self-reliance of the country. Thorium-based reactors would be a major part of India’s nuclear energy programme, thus fitting into the overall sustainable development vision.
He admits the hurdles in implementing nuclear power projects such as land acquisition, forest clearances, and procurement of equipment. However, he also confirmed that the government will do everything to overcome them. Currently, nine atomic power projects are under construction and some more are in the pre-project stage. This pipeline ensures India’s commitment to further nuclear energy infrastructure development to meet future energy needs.
In terms of historical perspective, it would be apt to mention landmark projects such as the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. That project took off and really picked up momentum after 2014 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at its helm. He reiterated his country’s commitment to atomic energy for peaceful purposes as conceptualized by Dr. Homi Bhabha, which would be used more towards innovation and national progress.
The speech of the Minister reflected on the strategic importance India accorded to integrating nuclear power within the broader vision of the energy security and sustainable development agenda. Efforts in terms of aligning the nuclear energy program with other initiatives, such as “One Nation, One Government,” reflect the commitment toward resource management and governance unity.
As India continues to scale up its nuclear power capacity, the country is well placed to achieve energy self-sufficiency and make huge contributions to various sectors through the peaceful applications of atomic energy. Dr. Singh’s address underscored the nation’s resolve to harness the potential of nuclear technology while addressing the challenges of implementation, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for all.