Nuclear Power

AERB grants licence to NFC-Kota to fuel 700 MWe nuclear reactors

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has granted an operating licence to the Nuclear Fuel Complex-Kota, which is designed to provide fuel to 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors. The facility in Rajasthan's Rawatbhata has a licensed annual capacity of 500 metric tonnes of natural uranium dioxide (UO2) fuel bundles. "The proposed activity of operation can be carried out in compliance with this license without undue risk to workers, the public and the environment," said the AERB in an order issued last week. The operation licence was granted after the AERB conducted a detailed safety assessment under its regulatory framework. "The activities at NFC-Kota are of low hazard category. The systems required for radioactive waste management and prevention of spread of contamination during operation are available. The application, the subsequent submissions and the review carried out have shown that the associated safety aspects have been adequately addressed," said the AERB. The .

NTPC exploring two nuclear power units of 1,400 MW in Bihar's Banka

As part of its energy diversification plan, state-owned NTPC is looking to set up two nuclear units of 700 MW each in the Banka district of Bihar, which could entail an investment of around Rs 25,000 crore. At present, NTPC officials are conducting a feasibility study for two 700-MW nuclear units in the district, located around 250 km from Patna, a government official said. The Bihar government has also assured full support for the project and water availability. Initial estimates suggest that around 1,000 acres of land would be required for these units, the official told PTI without sharing any financial information. According to industry estimates, a 1 GW nuclear plant requires an investment of Rs 15,000-20,000 crore and typically takes at least three years from concept to commissioning. A detailed project report (DPR) will be prepared after the feasibility report is completed, he said. NTPC is looking to set up around 30 GW of company-owned nuclear projects across various locat

Atomic Energy Commission clears FDI policy for nuclear power sector

Proposed policy approved by Atomic Energy Commission moves to consultations stage as India looks to open nuclear power sector to private participation

Smart pumps power nuclear energy growth in India's clean energy shift

Smart pumps power India's nuclear leap as Kalpakkam Fast Breeder Reactor achieves criticality, marking a milestone in clean energy ambitions

India achieves nuclear milestone as 500 MW PFBR attains criticality

Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor milestone strengthens India's nuclear programme, enhances fuel efficiency and advances long-term plans for thorium-based clean energy generation

Strike near Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant, no radiation spike: IAEA

Iran also told the IAEA that one member of the plant's physical protection staff was killed by a projectile fragment

SE Asia revisits nuclear power plans for AI data centres amid Iran war

Nuclear power is getting a second look in Southeast Asia as countries prepare to meet surging energy demand as they vie for artificial intelligence-focused data centres. Several Southeast Asian nations are reviving mothballed nuclear plans and setting ambitious targets and nearly half of the region could, if they pursue those goals, have nuclear energy in the 2030s. Even countries without current plans have signaled their interest. Southeast Asia has never produced a single watt of nuclear energy, despite long-held atomic ambitions. But that may soon change as pressure mounts to reduce emissions that contribute to climate change, while meeting growing power needs. The Iran war is underscoring the vulnerability of Asia's energy supplies, raising the sense of urgency about finding alternatives to oil and gas in Southeast Asia, analysts say. The surge in crude oil prices caused by the escalating conflict has raised the motivation for countries to speed up their nuclear efforts, said .

France to boost nuclear arsenal amid uncertainty over US commitments

The move is a historic pivot for France, which has long insisted on preserving the independence of its nuclear stockpile

Finding funds for India's nuclear plans and long-term financing hurdles

India's push for 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 will need over $200 billion, demanding long-tenor financing, sovereign support and a dedicated nuclear finance entity

NPCIL reconnects Tarapur Atomic Power Station's Unit-1 to power grid

The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has announced the successful reconnection of Tarapur Atomic Power Station's Unit-1 (TAPS-1) to the electricity grid following a landmark life-extension programme. The achievement marks a major milestone for the country's oldest nuclear facility, which has undergone extensive renovation and modernisation to ensure long-term operational reliability, the NPCIL said on Monday. An official release issued by the NPCIL said the life-extension activities were executed under "stringent regulatory oversight" and align with global nuclear safety standards. "The successful completion of such complex activities in this reactor type reflects NPCIL's engineering excellence and strong Renovation and Modernisation capability," it said, noting that TAPS-1 and its twin Unit-2 are currently the oldest reactors in operation globally. The comprehensive upgrade involved high-end engineering interventions to enhance safety margins. The NPCIL also ...

No mishap at Kudankulam, safety central to nuclear policy: Jitendra Singh

'Safety first, production next' is the formula followed by India's atomic energy sector, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh on Thursday said, as he allayed concerns around safety at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant. During the Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, AIADMK MP M Thambidurai said the Kudankulam project got delayed due to safety concerns around it, and questioned the way its power is being distributed. Singh said the share is determined through a formula, under which 50 per cent of the power is retained by the state, 35 per cent is given to the neighbouring states, and 15 per cent is sent to the national grid. The minister also said that many apprehensions regarding the safety are because of "extraneous" and "political" reasons. "Such apprehensions also arise sometimes because of extraneous reasons, political reasons... There has never been any such mishap. The formula we follow is 'Safety First, Production Next," he said. "There was some iss

Adani Power sets up nuclear-focussed unit as govt moves to open sector

The move comes as India opens ‌its nuclear power sector to greater private participation to meet rising electricity demand and curb carbon emissions

NITI calls for one-time discom debt takeover, green bonds for N-power

Niti Aayog has proposed a one-time, conditional discom debt takeover and green bond financing for nuclear power, alongside broader power and transport sector reforms to support India's net-zero goals

US accuses China of secret nuclear test in 2020; Beijing rejects charge

The allegation was raised days after the New START treaty expired, with Washington urging broader arms control that includes China as Beijing dismissed the charge as a false narrative

Govt could order more indigenous reactors to boost nuclear capacity

The government is considering seeking bids to build as many as 10 pressurised heavy water reactors with a capacity of 700 megawatts each - a third such bulk order

Why protests are growing across Iran amid rising nuclear tensions

Widening protests in Iran sparked by the Islamic Republic's ailing economy are putting new pressure on its theocracy. Tehran is still reeling from a 12-day war launched by Israel in June that saw the United States bomb nuclear sites in Iran. Economic pressure, intensified in September by the return of United Nations sanctions on the country over its atomic programme, has put Iran's rial currency into a free fall, now trading at some 1.4 million to USD 1. Meanwhile, Iran's self-described Axis of Resistance a coalition of countries and militant groups backed by Tehran has been decimated in the years since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in 2023. A new threat by US President Donald Trump warning Iran that if Tehran violently kills peaceful protesters, the U.S. will come to their rescue" has taken on new meaning after American troops captured Venezuelan President Nicols Maduro, a longtime ally of Tehran. Here's what to know about the protests and the challenges facing Iran's ...

Can nuclear deliver for India? The SHANTI Bill raises tough questions

The SHANTI Bill opens the door to private participation but it may not transform India's nuclear energy future

Lack of triggers, weak demand may keep power stocks under pressure

Weak power demand and surplus capacity cloud near-term prospects, but energy transition, nuclear reforms and grid upgrades offer long-term opportunities across India's power sector

Best of BS Opinion: New rural jobs law will bring significant changes

Today's wrap looks at the new rural jobs law, the push to open civil nuclear power to private investors, a US strategic reset, RBI's views on bank ownership, and a book on American power

Explained: SHANTI Bill and India's push for private nuclear energy

The SHANTI 2025 proposes a new legal framework to govern the production, use and regulation of nuclear energy and ionising radiation in India