Thursday, October 23, 2008

Share of Atomic Power Generation

The total electricity generation in the country in the year 2007-08 was 7,04,469 Million Units with a nuclear share of about 2.4%. 

The present nuclear power capacity of 4120 MWe will reach 7280 MWe by the year 2011 on progressive completion of projects under construction. XI plan proposals envisage start of work on eight indigenous pressurized Heavy Water Reactors of 700 MWe each and ten imported Light Water Reactors, each of about 1000 MWe and above. 

Of the 4120 MWe capacity in operation, 320 MWe (Tarapur Atomic Power Station-Units 1&2) is fuelled by imported low enriched uranium (LEU), while the remaining 3800 MWe capacity comprising of Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) uses indigenous natural uranium, supplied by the Uranium Corporation of India Limited from its mines in Jharkhand. LEU for TAPS 1&2 is imported from different countries. The average tariff, including cost of generation, return on equity etc. of nuclear power in 2007-08 was Rs.2.28/kWh. 

Currently, there is a demand-supply mismatch in respect of indigenous natural uranium. However, this is temporary and the situation is expected to improve with the opening of new mines. 

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office and Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Shri Prithviraj Chavan in a written reply to a question by Dr. Satyanarayan Jatiya in the Lok Sabha today.

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