Font size:
Print
Retired Coal Power Plants as Nuclear Facility
Retired coal plants eyed for nuclear use
Context: In a strategic move to expand India’s clean energy base while addressing land and infrastructure challenges, the Central government is exploring the feasibility of converting retired coal-based power plants into nuclear power stations.
More on News
- This shift comes as part of India’s ambitious nuclear energy goals: increasing nuclear generation capacity from 8.78 GW to 22 GW by 2032, and a massive scale-up to 100 GW by 2047.
- However, securing large tracts of land for new nuclear installations has emerged as a major hurdle — a gap that repurposing thermal plants could bridge.
Why Use Retired Thermal Power Plants for Nuclear Projects?
- Lower land requirement: Since the thermal plants already occupy large tracts of land, acquiring new land is not necessary.
- Existing infrastructure: Facilities like power evacuation systems, water access, and transmission networks are already in place, cutting both time and cost.
- A 2022 U.S. Department of Energy report estimated up to 35% cost savings through the reuse of thermal power assets for nuclear applications.
What Are the Challenges in Repurposing Coal Plants for Nuclear Energy?
- Nuclear projects require stringent safety clearances.
- The selected sites will need to be evaluated for nuclear safeguard compliance, environmental risks, and local impact assessments.
- Local resistance and radioactive waste management also remain key challenges.
- The feasibility of each site will depend on these assessments and the ability of authorities to fast-track approvals without compromising safety.
Why Is Nuclear Power Important for India’s Energy Security?
- India’s total installed power generation capacity stands at 472.46 GW, out of which coal-based plants contribute 212.71 GW — nearly 45%.
- Nuclear energy, while not renewable, is a low-emission and stable power source that complements renewable energy and reduces dependence on fossil fuels. As of now:
- India operates 25 nuclear reactors across 7 sites.
- The total nuclear capacity is 8.78 GW, contributing to about 3% of total electricity generation.
- Another 7.3 GW of nuclear capacity is under construction, with 14.3 GW in various stages of implementation.
How Are States Being Involved in India’s Nuclear Expansion Plan?
The Centre has urged all states to identify and propose at least one site for a nuclear power plant. This decentralised approach seeks to:
- Fast-track the national nuclear expansion agenda.
- Involve states in land and infrastructure provisioning.
- Accelerate the long-term goal of achieving 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047.
