India has unveiled ambitious plans to generate 22 GW of power through nuclear energy as part of its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, shared these plans during a meeting with Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), held at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna.
Mr. Grossi commended India’s commitment to reaching 22 GW of nuclear energy capacity to contribute to the goal of achieving net-zero emissions. This announcement was made during the annual IAEA General Conference, where leaders from around the world gathered to discuss nuclear energy and its role in sustainable development.
Chairman Mohanty highlighted the impressive achievements of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), which has set records for extended continuous power plant operations and maintained excellent safety records. Some NPCIL units have operated continuously for over a year on numerous occasions, and the recently commenced commercial operation of unit-3 at Kakrapar, Gujarat, marked a significant milestone as India’s first 700 MW indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR).
India’s commitment to nuclear energy was further emphasized during its recent hosting of the G20 Summit. Discussions at the summit focused on energy security, access, affordability, and transition, with countries using civil nuclear energy reaffirming their role in providing clean energy. These nations will collaborate on research, innovation, development, and deployment of civil nuclear technologies, including advanced and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
Chairman Mohanty also highlighted India’s commitment to peaceful uses of nuclear energy and its longstanding partnership with the IAEA. Currently operating 23 commercial nuclear power reactors with a combined capacity of 7,480 MW, India aims to increase its nuclear capacity to 22,480 MW by 2031.
This announcement underlines India’s dedication to sustainable and clean energy sources, demonstrating its commitment to addressing climate change and achieving net-zero emissions.
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