Kudankulam Units 3 and 4 to complete by 2026–27, Units 5 and 6 by 2030.
India’s nuclear energy programme is in a decisive expansion phase, backed by policy reforms, private sector participation and clearly defined capacity targets extending up to 2047, the Minister of State for Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, said in Rajya Sabha on 12 Feb.
India’s installed nuclear capacity, which stood at 4,780 MW in 2014, has risen to 8,780 MW and is projected to reach 22,380 MW by 2031–32, 47 GW by 2037, 67 GW by 2042 and 100 GW by 2047, he pointed out.
He affirmed that India is moving forward with self-reliance and confidence, and that geopolitical developments will not derail ongoing nuclear projects.
Dr Singh also addressed concerns relating to timelines, international negotiations, fuel security, CSR initiatives, and power-sharing arrangements.
On the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, Dr Jitendra Singh said Units 3 and 4 are targeted for completion by 2026–27, while Units 5 and 6 are scheduled by 2030.
He stated that there is no reason to apprehend any disruption due to recent geopolitical developments, including shifts in India–US relations.
Tracing the project’s history, he said the Kudankulam project was conceived in 1988, construction began in 2002, and the first unit became operational in December 2014. The subsequent operationalisation of the first two units within the last decade reflects a clear implementation framework and disciplined adherence to timelines.
On Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives within the 16-kilometre emergency planning zone, the Minister said that the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited undertakes CSR and Rehabilitation & Resettlement (R&R) activities for communities around all nuclear facilities.
He informed the House that significant allocations have been made under CSR, with Rs.168 crore spent in the current financial year across projects. Specific figures for Kudankulam over the last four years would be furnished separately. He added that such initiatives focus on infrastructure, healthcare, education and skill development for local communities.
Addressing a question on negotiations concerning the proposed six 1600 MW reactors at Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project, Dr Jitendra Singh said that discussions have been ongoing and that while the technical agreement framework is in place, certain commercial aspects remain under consideration.
He indicated that the matter is being pursued in coordination with relevant ministries, keeping national interest paramount.
On concerns regarding uranium imports and possible supply disruptions in a volatile global environment, Dr Jitendra Singh stated that India has strengthened its energy security significantly over the last decade.
He said nuclear capacity has more than doubled since 2014 and that policy measures, including recent enabling provisions and duty exemptions for nuclear plant equipment imports up to 2035, are aimed at accelerating domestic capability. He said the expansion roadmap demonstrates that India is not dependent solely on external sources and is steadily enhancing indigenous potential.
Elaborating, the Minister said distribution of electricity generated from nuclear plants follows the long-standing Gadgil formula, under which 50% of power is retained by the host state, 35% is allocated to neighbouring states and 15% goes to the central grid. This mechanism ensures balanced regional distribution.
On safety concerns and past apprehensions in the Kudankulam region, he reiterated that India’s nuclear programme operates on the principle of “Safety First, Production Next”.
He clarified that allegations regarding centralized storage of spent fuel at Kudankulam were scientifically unfounded, as each reactor manages its own specific fuel cycle.
Dr Jitendra Singh concluded that the government has instituted clear timelines for nuclear expansion and is implementing them in a structured and disciplined manner, positioning nuclear energy as a key pillar of India’s long-term energy transition strategy. Fiinews.com
