Capacity utilisation of nuclear power plants risen considerably

NEW DELHI: The capacity utilisation of Indian nuclear power plants was low in the past because of shortage of fuel but after efforts in augmenting indigenous fuel supply and international cooperation, it has increased to 80 per cent, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

In a written reply, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions V Narayanasamy said the present overall capacity utilisation of Indian nuclear power plants (NPPs) is comparable to the world average of 80 per cent in 2012.

"The capacity mismatch of Indian NPPs was low in the past due to demand supply mismatch of indigenous fuel," he said.

"However, following the efforts of the government in augmenting indigenous fuel supply and international cooperation enabling use of imported fuel in reactors under IAEA safeguards, the capacity has steadily improved from about 50 per cent in 2008-09 to 80 per cent in the current year," the minister said.

To procure uranium for the NPPs from abroad, India has been in talks with several Central Asian countries like Mongolia and Uzbekistan. It is also in talks with Canada and Australia to procure uranium.