Shortage of fuel to Atomic Power Plants

LOK SABHA

The total installed nuclear power capacity is 4120 MWe. Among the nuclear reactors in operation Tarapur Atomic Power Station units 1&2 (320 MWe) use imported Uranium for which fuel is available. The balance 3800 MWe capacity uses indigenous natural uranium, of which there is mismatch in demand and supply. This capacity is thus being operated at a lower power level matching the fuel supply.

The details of installed capacity and electricity generation during the last three years, station-wise, are as under:

Legend:

TAPS: Tarapur Atomic Power Station

RAPS: Rajasthan Atomic Power Station

MAPS: Madras Atomic Power Station

NAPS: Narora Atomic Power Station

KAPS: Kakrapar Atomic Power Station

KGS: Kaiga Generating Station

All out efforts have been made by the Government to augment fuel supply to increase the production by opening of new mines and augmenting processing facilities. New mines are being opened in Jharkhand and a new mill has also been set up. Work on a new mine at Tummalapalle has been started. All efforts are being made to open mines at Lambapur (Andhra Pradesh) and KPM (Meghalaya). Various activities to set up new mines at Gogi (Karnataka), Rohil (Rajasthan), Wahkyn (Meghalaya) and Chitrail (Andhra Pradesh) are being pursues.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office and Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Shri Prithviraj Chavan in the Lok Sabha today.

Source: Press Inormation Bureau
Date: April 30, 2008