India to Triple Atomic Power Capacity by 2031

India’s atomic power capacity has seen remarkable growth, nearly doubling from 4,780 MW in 2014 to 8,081 MW in 2024. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, in a statement to the Lok Sabha, highlighted that this progress was achieved in just a decade, a milestone that traditionally took over 60 years. The government’s push for political leadership and technical expertise has enabled these strides. By 2031-32, India’s atomic power capacity is projected to triple to 22,480 MW, further solidifying the nation’s leadership in nuclear energy.

Key Milestones and Growth

2014-2024 Growth: India’s atomic power capacity has surged from 4,780 MW to 8,081 MW, doubling in 10 years.

Future Projections: The government aims to reach 22,480 MW by 2031-32, tripling the current capacity.

Political Leadership and Technical Expertise: The significant progress is attributed to a combination of technical advancements and a shift in political leadership, which provided the enabling environment for growth.

Impact on Electricity Distribution

Revised Power-Distribution Formula: A new distribution formula ensures 50% of power stays within the home state, 35% is shared with neighbouring states, and 15% is allocated to the national grid, promoting fairness.

State-Specific Delays: While some delays persist in Tamil Nadu (e.g., Tirunelveli project), plants like Kudankulam and Kalpakkam have gained momentum.

Peaceful Applications of Atomic Energy

Innovative Uses: India’s atomic energy initiatives have benefited sectors like agriculture (through 70 mutagenic crop varieties) and healthcare (cancer treatments using isotopes).

Thorium Reserves and Sustainability: India holds 21% of the world’s thorium reserves, with ongoing projects like the Bhavini program aimed at reducing reliance on uranium.

Summary of the news

India’s atomic power capacity has nearly doubled from 4,780 MW in 2014 to 8,081 MW in 2024. The government plans to triple it to 22,480 MW by 2031-32, driven by technical advancements and strong political leadership.Why in News	Key Points
India’s Atomic Power Capacity	– Capacity has nearly doubled from 4,780 MW in 2014 to 8,081 MW in 2024.
	– Projected to triple to 22,480 MW by 2031-32.
	– Growth driven by technical expertise and strong political leadership.
	– Focus on peaceful applications in agriculture and healthcare.
	– India holds 21% of the world’s thorium reserves.
	– Bhavini project exploring thorium usage to reduce reliance on uranium.
Electricity Distribution Formula	– 50% allocated to the home state, 35% to neighbouring states, and 15% to the national grid.
Nuclear Power Plants	– Kudankulam and Kalpakkam plants have gained momentum since 2014.
	– Delays in Tamil Nadu, including the Tirunelveli project.