Nuclear long-term energy solution

India will pursue its nuclear power projects including one at Jaitapur in Maharashtra, Minister of State for Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said on 25 July 2018.

Considering the huge and growing electricity demand of the country, nuclear is clean and carbon free energy with huge potential for the long-term energy security in a sustainable manner.

Land has been acquired for the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project (JNPP) and a residential township.

Agreement for Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) package has been signed between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and the State Government.

Statutory Environmental and Costal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances have been obtained.

Site infrastructure and technology independent site investigation works are in progress at various stages.

Discussions of NPCIL with Europe’s EDF on Techno-Commercial Proposal (TCP) for setting up 6 EPR units to arrive at a project proposal, in line with the Industrial Way Forward Agreement (IWFA), are in progress.

Neighbourhood welfare and Public Awareness activities are in progress.

He pointed out that most countries with nuclear power programmes are continuing with their programmes.

At present there are 453 reactors in operation and 57 reactors under construction in the world.

Several new entrants like Bangladesh, UAE, Belarus, Turkey have embarked on nuclear power.

Japan has restarted eight reactors which were shutdown following the March 2011 accident at Fukushima plants. fiinews.com