Introduction to Atomic Energy& Nuclear Plants: Atomic energy, derived from the nucleus of atoms through processes like nuclear fission and fusion, holds immense potential for power generation. Nuclear fission, in particular, involves splitting atoms to release large amounts of energy, which is harnessed for electricity production in nuclear power plants.
Formation of the Atomic Energy Commission
Established in August 1948 within the Department of Scientific Research, the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) initially oversaw atomic energy pursuits in India. By August 1954, it came under the direct purview of the Prime Minister through a Presidential Order. Subsequently, in March 1958, the AEC was officially constituted within the Department of Atomic Energy.
Organizational Structure
The AEC is led by the Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Atomic Energy, serving as the ex-officio Chairman. Other members are appointed annually upon the Chairman’s recommendation and Prime Minister’s approval, ensuring efficient governance.
Prime Ministerial Recognition
Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru presented the AEC’s establishment Resolution to the Lok Sabha on March 24, 1958, highlighting the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Continuous Advancements
Since its inception, the AEC has been instrumental in driving advancements in nuclear technology, contributing to various sectors including power generation and medical applications, reflecting India’s dedication to harnessing atomic energy for national progress.
Prohibition on Private Control of Nuclear Power Generation
The Atomic Energy Act of 1962, as reported by RRE NTPC on March 1, 2021, bars private entities from controlling nuclear power generation in India. This measure ensures centralized governance, upholding national security and safety standards while harnessing atomic energy for development.
First Formal Demand for Nuclear Weapons Development
Following the Indo-Sino war in 1962, the first official request for nuclear weapons development was tabled in Parliament in December of the same year. This historical moment marked India’s acknowledgment of the strategic importance of nuclear capabilities in safeguarding national security interests.
Shastri’s Opposition and Bhabha’s Advocacy
After China’s nuclear test on October 16, 1964, Prime Minister Shastri initially opposed India’s nuclear program. However, Homi Bhabha, a prominent scientist, argued that possessing atomic weapons could deter attacks from stronger states.
Formal Approval and Initiatives
In April 1965, Shastri granted Bhabha formal approval to proceed with nuclear explosive development. Consequently, on April 5, 1965, Bhabha established the Study of Nuclear Explosions for Peaceful Purposes (SNEPP), kick-starting the efforts. Bhabha appointed Raja Ramanna as the head of the endeavor at the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET).
Revival under Indira Gandhi’s Leadership
Although initially stalled, the program was revitalized in 1967 under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s leadership. It continued without interruption until it culminated in a successful nuclear test less than seven years later.
Direct Oversight by the Department of Atomic Energy
The Department of Atomic Energy, established in August 1954 under the direct authority of the Prime Minister’s office, plays a pivotal role in managing India’s nuclear endeavors. With its headquarters in Mumbai, the department coordinates and oversees various aspects of the nuclear program, ensuring effective governance and strategic direction.
The list of nuclear research centers in India:
| S.No | Name | Location | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Physical Research Laboratory | Ahmedabad | 1947 | Established by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, known as the cradle of space sciences in India. |
| 2. | Atomic Energy Commission | Mumbai | 1948 | Governing body responsible for atomic energy activities. |
| 3. | Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research | Hyderabad | 1948 | Established in 1949, its primary mandate is to explore and research atomic minerals, which include uranium, thorium, beryllium, lithium, and rare earth elements, among others. |
| 4. | Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics | Kolkata | 1949 | Conducts fundamental research in nuclear and allied sciences. |
| 5. | National Chemical Laboratory | Pune | 1950 | Pioneered research in polymer chemistry and chemical engineering. |
| 6. | Indian Rare Earths Limited | Alwaye (Kerala) | 1950 | India’s largest producer of rare earth materials. |
| 7. | Bhabha Atomic Research Center | Trombay (Mumbai) | 1957 | Premier nuclear research facility in India, named after Dr. Homi J. Bhabha. |
| 8. | Central Mining Research Institution | Dhanbad | 1956 | Undertakes research in mining and environmental aspects of mining. |
| 9. | Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute | Durgapur | 1958 | Focuses on research in mechanical engineering and materials science. |
| 10. | Electronics Corporation of India | Hyderabad | 1967 | A leading manufacturer of electronics equipment and devices. |
| 11. | Uranium Corporation of India | Jadugoda | 1967 | Manages uranium mining and processing plants across India. |
| 12. | Radio Astronomy Center | Tamil Nadu | 1968 | Conducts pioneering research in radio astronomy and cosmic microwave background radiation. |
| 13. | High Altitude Research Laboratory | Gulmarg | 1963 | Conducts atmospheric research and studies related to climate change and weather patterns. |
| 14. | Variable Energy Cyclotron Center | Mumbai | 1977 | Facility for conducting experiments in nuclear and particle physics. |
| 15. | Nuclear Fuel Complex | Hyderabad | 1971 | Supplies nuclear fuel bundles and reactor core components to nuclear power plants. |
| 16. | Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research | Tamil Nadu | 1971 | Conducts advanced research in various fields of atomic energy. |
| 17. | Center of Earth Science’s Studies | Trivandrum | 1978 | Research center specializing in geosciences, seismology, and environmental studies. |
Nuclear Plants in India: Struggles and Advances
Nuclear power stands as the fifth-largest contributor to India’s electricity production, trailing behind coal, gas, hydroelectricity, and wind power. With 22 operational reactors across 8 power plants, India boasts a total installed capacity of 7,380 MW as of November 2020. Despite its potential, nuclear power faces hurdles in India due to various factors.
Challenges and Opposition: Following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011, India encountered heightened anti-nuclear sentiments, leading to protests at proposed nuclear plant sites. Major protests erupted against projects such as the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project in Maharashtra and the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu. Additionally, the Government of West Bengal denied permission for a large nuclear power plant near Haripur. The Supreme Court also saw a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the government’s civil nuclear programme.
Operational Issues: India’s nuclear power sector grapples with low capacity factors, attributed partially to fuel scarcity. As of 2021, the average energy availability factor of the Indian nuclear fleet stands at 66.1%, indicating significant room for improvement. However, recent years have seen an uptick, with availability factors reaching 74.4% in 2019–2021.
Advancements in Thorium-based Fuels: Despite challenges, India advances in thorium-based fuels, a cornerstone of its three-stage nuclear power programme. Efforts are underway to develop a prototype atomic reactor using thorium and low-enriched uranium. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to innovation and self-reliance in the nuclear energy sector.
India has several operational nuclear plants across the country. These nuclear power plants are operated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), a government-owned corporation under the Department of Atomic Energy. Here are some of the major nuclear power plants in India:
Future Outlook: In 2010, India laid out an ambitious plan to achieve a nuclear power capacity of 63 GW by 2032. Despite setbacks and opposition, the country remains determined to expand its nuclear energy portfolio, aiming for both growth and technological advancement in the coming years.
Nuclear Plants in India:
| Plant | Unit | Type | Model | Status | Capacity (MW) | Begin Building | Commercial Operation | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chutka | 1 | PHWR | IPHWR-700 | Planned | 630 | – | – | – |
| Chutka | 2 | PHWR | IPHWR-700 | Planned | 630 | – | – | – |
| Gorakhpur | 1 | PHWR | IPHWR-700 | Planned | 630 | – | – | – |
| Gorakhpur | 2 | PHWR | IPHWR-700 | Planned | 630 | – | – | – |
| Gorakhpur | 3 | PHWR | IPHWR-700 | Planned | 630 | – | – | – |
| Gorakhpur | 4 | PHWR | IPHWR-700 | Planned | 630 | – | – | – |
| Kaiga | 1 | PHWR | IPHWR-220 | Operational | 202 | 1 Sep 1989 | 16 Nov 2000 | – |
| Kaiga | 2 | PHWR | IPHWR-220 | Operational | 202 | 1 Dec 1989 | 16 Mar 2000 | – |
| Kaiga | 3 | PHWR | IPHWR-220 | Operational | 202 | 30 Mar 2002 | 6 May 2007 | – |
| Kaiga | 4 | PHWR | IPHWR-220 | Operational | 202 | 10 May 2002 | 20 Jan 2011 | – |
| Kaiga | 5 | PHWR | IPHWR-700 | Under construction | 630 | – | – | – |
| Kaiga | 6 | PHWR | IPHWR-700 | Under construction | 630 | – | – | – |
| Kakrapar | 1 | PHWR | IPHWR-220 | Operational | 202 | 1 Dec 1984 | 6 May 1993 | – |
| Kakrapar | 2 | PHWR | IPHWR-220 | Operational | 202 | 1 Apr 1985 | 1 Sep 1995 | – |
| Kakrapar | 3 | PHWR | IPHWR-700 | Operational | 630 | 22 Nov 2010 | 30 Jun 2023 | – |
| Kakrapar | 4 | PHWR | IPHWR-700 | Under commissioning | 630 | 22 Nov 2010 | – | – |
| Kalpakkam | 1 | FBR | PFBR | Under construction | 500 | 23 Oct 2004 | – | – |
| Kudankulam | 1 | PWR | VVER-1000/V-412 | Operational | 932 | 31 Mar 2002 | 31 Dec 2014 | – |
| Kudankulam | 2 | PWR | VVER-1000/V-412 | Operational | 932 | 4 Jul 2002 | 31 Mar 2017 | – |
| Kudankulam | 3 | PWR | VVER-1000/V-412 | Under construction | 917 | 30 Jun 2017 | – | – |
| Kudankulam | 4 | PWR | VVER-1000/V-412 | Under construction | 917 | 23 Oct 2017 | – | – |
| Kudankulam | 5 | PWR | VVER-1000/V-412 | Under construction | 917 | 29 Jun 2021 | – | – |
| Kudankulam | 6 | PWR | VVER-1000/V-412 | Under construction | 917 | 20 Dec 2021 | – | – |
| Kudankulam | 7 | PWR | VVER-1200 | Planned | 1100 | – | – | – |
| Kudankulam | 8 | PWR | VVER-1200 | Planned | 1100 | – | – | – |
| Madras | 1 | PHWR | IPHWR-220 | Operation suspended (under maintenance) | 205 | 1 Jan 1971 | 27 Jan 1984 | – |
| Madras | 2 | PHWR | IPHWR-220 | Operational | 205 | 1 Oct 1972 | 21 Mar 1986 | – |
| Mahi Banswara | 1 | PHWR | IPHWR-700 | Planned | 630 | – | – | – |
| Mahi Banswara | 2 | PHWR | IPHWR-700 | Planned | 630 | – | – | – |
| Mahi Banswara | 3 | PHWR | IPHWR-700 | Planned | 630 | – | – | – |
| Mahi Banswara | 4 | PHWR | IPHWR-700 | Planned | 630 | – | – | – |
| Narora | 1 | PHWR | IPHWR-220 | Operational | 202 | 1 Dec 1976 | 1 Jan 1991 | – |
| Narora | 2 | PHWR | IPHWR-220 | Operational | 202 | 1 Nov 1977 | 1 Jul 1992 | – |
| Rajasthan | 1 | PHWR | CANDU | Shut down | 90 | 1 Aug 1965 | 16 Dec 1973 | 9 Oct 2004 |
| Rajasthan | 2 | PHWR | CANDU | Operational | 187 | 1 Apr 1968 | 1 Apr 1981 | – |
| Rajasthan | 3 | PHWR | IPHWR-220 | Operational | 202 | 1 Feb 1990 | 1 Jun 2000 | – |
| Rajasthan | 4 | PHWR | IPHWR-220 | Operational | 202 | 1 Oct 1990 | 23 Dec 2000 | – |
| Rajasthan | 5 | PHWR | IPHWR-220 | Operational | 202 | 18 Sep 2002 | 4 Feb 2010 | – |
| Rajasthan | 6 | PHWR | IPHWR-220 | Operational | 202 | 20 Jan 2003 | 31 Mar 2010 | – |
| Rajasthan | 7 | PHWR | IPHWR-700 | Under construction | 630 | 18 Jul 2011 | – | – |
| Rajasthan | 8 | PHWR | IPHWR-700 | Under construction | 630 | 30 Sep 2011 | – | – |
| Tarapur | 1 | BWR | BWR-1, Mark 1 | Operation suspended (under maintenance) | 150 | 1 Oct 1964 | 28 Oct 1969 | – |
| Tarapur | 2 | BWR | BWR-1, Mark 1 | Operation suspended (under maintenance) | 150 | 1 Oct 1964 | 28 Oct 1969 | – |
| Tarapur | 3 | PHWR | IPHWR-540 | Operational | 490 | 12 May 2000 | 18 Aug 2006 | – |
| Tarapur | 4 | PHWR | IPHWR-540 | Operational | 490 | 8 Mar 2000 | 12 Sep 2005 | – |
Simplified Explanation of Nuclear Plants
Introduction to Nuclear Plants: Nuclear plants generate electricity indirectly by harnessing nuclear fission. Within a reactor core, heat is produced, which in turn heats a coolant. This heated coolant generates steam to drive turbines connected to electrical generators.
Fuel and Safety Measures: These plants primarily use uranium, particularly U-235, as fuel. Stringent safety measures, including shielding and containment structures, prevent the release of radioactive materials into the environment. Additionally, safety features such as safety valves and containment structures are implemented to mitigate potential accidents and ensure the safe operation of nuclear plants.
Operation of Reactors and Turbines of Nuclear Plants: Various reactor types, such as pressurized water reactors (PWRs), are employed. Steam produced from the reactor drives turbines, generating electricity. Early leak detection systems are in place, especially in PWRs, to ensure safety.
Cooling and Steam Condensation: Steam condenses back into water in a condenser, utilizing cooling towers or water bodies for heat dissipation. This condensed water is recycled within the system to sustain the process. The condensed water is then recycled back into the system, ensuring the continuous operation of the Nuclear plants.
Emergency Protocols: Safety valves prevent pressure build-up, and redundant power sources ensure continuous operation, even during emergencies, prioritizing safety at all times.
Conclusion on Nuclear Plants: Nuclear plants efficiently convert nuclear fission into electricity, providing a reliable and significant energy source. Despite their complexity, these plants adhere to strict safety standards to ensure safe and sustainable energy production.