Facts Associated with the Nuclear Energy
- Nuclear power plants are the most efficient source of electricity, operating at 90 percent average capacity.
- A nuclear power plant can produce enough electricity to power 690,000 homes while emitting no pollution into the atmosphere.
- Nuclear plants can be refuelled every 18 months, with one-third of the fuel replaced.
- As of 2019, 450 nuclear reactors were operational, with 53 more under construction around the world.
- As of November 2020, 7 nuclear plants with a total capacity of 7380 Megawatts and 22 nuclear reactors were operationally ready.
- Nuclear energy generated a total capacity of 43Twh, accounting for 3.11 percent of total electricity production in the country.
- India has already produced more than 500 billion units electricity between FY10 and FY22.
Facts and Fears Associated with Nuclear Energy Programme
It is one of the fastest-growing countries in every sector, which increases the demand for energy. With the growing economy, population, urbanisation, and industrialization, according to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) India Energy Outlook 2021, India needs more energy. Since 2000, energy consumption has risen, with coal and oil providing the majority of the supply. This is projected to increase by 35% through 2030. The need for nuclear energy is growing with the increasing world population, economic development, and climate change, and India should expand its nuclear energy program. The Indian government has also set a number of goals for expanding nuclear energy in the country.