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The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has granted approval for excavation work for a new nuclear power project in Mahi Banswara, Rajasthan.
The project will comprise four units of 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), contributing a total of 2800 MW to India's energy grid.
The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is the implementing agency for this significant indigenous nuclear power expansion.
This development underscores India's commitment to expanding its nuclear energy capacity using domestically developed technology to enhance energy security.
Established in 1983, AERB is the primary regulatory body responsible for ensuring safety in all nuclear and radiation facilities in India. It formulates safety policies, develops safety codes, guides, and standards, and conducts regulatory inspections and enforcement.
A Public Sector Enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. NPCIL is responsible for the design, construction, commissioning, and operation of nuclear power reactors in India.
A PHWR is a nuclear power reactor that uses heavy water (deuterium oxide) as its coolant and neutron moderator. It typically uses natural uranium as fuel, which is a significant advantage for countries like India with limited access to enriched uranium. India has successfully developed and deployed indigenous PHWR technology, making it a cornerstone of its nuclear power program.
Simple Analogy: Imagine a car engine (reactor core) that needs a specific type of oil (heavy water) to run efficiently and keep cool, and it can run on a common type of fuel (natural uranium) readily available, unlike other engines that need a special, refined fuel.
The PHWR technology forms the backbone of the first stage of India's nuclear program, aiming to use natural uranium to produce power and plutonium for the second stage (Fast Breeder Reactors).
Expansion of nuclear power capacity is crucial for India to meet its growing energy demands, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and achieve its climate change commitments by providing a clean, baseload power source.
While India's indigenous PHWRs using domestic fuel are generally not under IAEA safeguards, reactors using imported fuel or technology are subject to these international verification measures, as highlighted in previous UPSC questions.
GS Paper III - Science and Technology (Nuclear Technology), Economy (Energy Sector), Environment (Climate Change).
General Awareness (Science & Technology, Current Affairs, Indian Economy).
General Awareness (Current Affairs, Economy, Science & Technology).
General Science, General Awareness (Current Affairs).
General Knowledge (Science & Technology, Current Affairs).
Consider the following statements: Statement-I: India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production. Statement-II: Uranium, enriched to the extent of at least 60%, is required for the production of electricity. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Answer: Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under "IAEA Safeguards" while others are not?
Answer: Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
India is an important member of the 'International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor'. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?
Answer: It can build fusion reactors for power generation
High for UPSC (Science & Tech, Economy), Medium for SSC/Banking/Railway (General Awareness).
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, India's nuclear safety regulator.
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited, responsible for nuclear power generation.
Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor, an indigenous reactor type using heavy water and natural uranium.
Deuterium oxide (D2O), used as a moderator and coolant in PHWRs.
The process of splitting an atomic nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing energy.