In a significant boost to India's nuclear energy sector, Union Minister of State for Atomic Energy, Jitendra Singh, announced that the country is currently constructing nine nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of 7,300 MW. Additionally, plans are underway to build twelve more reactors, highlighting India?s aggressive push to expand its nuclear capabilities. Addressing an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, Singh reassured the public about the safety standards of these facilities, stating, "There are no discrepancies in the operational safety of nuclear power plants." He emphasised that these plants are operated by highly trained personnel licensed by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), and that safety protocols are periodically reviewed and enhanced. Singh also underscored the extensive measures taken to monitor the health impact of nuclear facilities on nearby populations. He mentioned that reputed local medical colleges, in conjunction with Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, conduct regular health assessments for residents living near these plants. These studies have conclusively shown that the operations of nuclear power plants do not adversely affect the health of surrounding communities. Discussing infrastructure developments, Singh highlighted the on-going construction of a greenfield Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) at Rawatbhata, Kota, Rajasthan. This new facility, which includes a PHWR Fuel Fabrication Facility and a Zircaloy Fabrication Facility, aims to produce 500 tons per year of fuel tubes. With an investment of Rs 42.56 billion, the project, located about 50 km from Kota, is nearing completion, marking a significant step towards enhancing India's nuclear fuel self-sufficiency. These announcements come as India makes concerted efforts to bolster its energy security and transition to more sustainable energy sources. The expansion of the nuclear power sector is seen as a key element of this strategy, promising to significantly enhance the country's energy independence in the coming years. (Source:ET)
