• UGI USER
  • Dec 28, 2023
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INDIA-RUSSIA AGREEMENTS ON KUDANKULAM NUCLEAR PLANT UNITS

Why in the News?

  • India and Russia signed significant agreements concerning the construction of future power-generating units at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant.
Source: IE

About India’s Nuclear Energy:

  • Contribution to Electricity:
  • Nuclear energy ranks as the fifth-largest source, providing approximately 2% of India’s total electricity.
  • Current Infrastructure:
  • India hosts over 22 nuclear reactors across 7 power plants, collectively generating 6,780 MW of nuclear power.
  • The reactor types include 18 Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and 4 Light Water Reactors (LWRs).
  • Recent Developments:
  • In January 2021, the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP-3), India’s largest indigenous PHWR variant (700 MWe), was connected to the grid.
  • Thorium-Based Nuclear Plant:
  • India is pioneering an indigenous thorium-based nuclear plant, “Bhavni,” utilizing Uranium-233.
  • The experimental plant “Kamini” is already operational in Kalpakkam.
About 3 Stage Nuclear Program

·  Origin and Architect: The late H. J. Bhabha, recognized as India’s nuclear power development pioneer, formulated the 3 Stage Nuclear Program.

·  Program Objective: Aimed at Producing energy using Thorium as fuel , the program seeks complete self-sufficiency in nuclear energy generation.

·  Reason: India faces limited native uranium resources, driving the focus towards alternative sources for sustainable nuclear power. Abundant Thorium reserves in India serve as a strategic resource for the envisioned nuclear program.

·  Thorium Reserves in India:

Source: PIB

 Note: Monazite is the Mineral in which thorium is found.