26th September 2025 (13 Topics)

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Mahi Banswara Nuclear Project

Context:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Mahi Banswara Nuclear Power Project in Rajasthan on 25 September 2025, marking a major step under India’s fleet-mode nuclear expansion strategy.

Project Overview

Location and Capacity:Mahi Banswara project in Rajasthan will house four 700 MWePressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).
Implementing Agency: Developed under AnushaktiVidhyut Nigam Ltd (Ashvini), a joint venture of NPCIL (51%) and NTPC (49%).
Regulatory Clearance: The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) granted siting consent in 2025, later transferred to Ashvini.
Part of Fleet Mode: Ten identical 700 MWe PHWRs are being built across India for standardisation, cost efficiency, and faster deployment.

Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR)

Uses natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as moderator/coolant.
Indigenous design developed by NPCIL.
Advantages: lower fuel cost, reliance on domestic uranium, scalability.
India operates the largest PHWR fleet globally.

Achievements and Strategic Importance

Standardisation Advantage: Uniform design and procurement plans reduce construction time and enhance operational expertise.
Energy Security: Adds 2,800 MWe to India’s nuclear capacity, reducing overdependence on coal and imported fuels.
Regional Development: The project is part of a broader infrastructure push worth ?1.22 lakh crore, including solar and transmission projects in Rajasthan.
Indigenous Technology: Based on India’s proven PHWR design, showcasing self-reliance in nuclear technology.

Broader Nuclear Expansion in India

Fleet Projects: Alongside Mahi Banswara, projects include Kaiga (Karnataka), Gorakhpur (Haryana), and Chutka (Madhya Pradesh).
Operational Units:Two PHWRs at Kakrapar (Gujarat) are operational; Rajasthan Unit-7 joined the grid in March 2025, while Unit-8 is under construction.
Long-term Vision: Nuclear energy is central to India’s goal of 22,480 MWe capacity by 2031.

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)

Establishment and Legal Basis

Constituted: 15 November 1983 by the President of India under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.
Objective: Ensure safe use of ionising radiation and nuclear energy in India.
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Mandate and Functions

Regulatory Oversight:
- Safety in siting, design, construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of nuclear power plants.
- Radiation protection in medical, industrial, agricultural and research applications.
Licensing Authority: Issues authorisations/consents at each stage of a nuclear facility.
Safety Codes and Standards: Formulates policies, codes, manuals and guides for radiation and nuclear safety.
Monitoring: Oversees emergency preparedness, occupational safety, and environmental radiation surveillance.
Inspection & Enforcement: Conducts regular safety inspections and enforces compliance.
Advisory Role: Advises Government of India on radiation safety matters.

Organizational Structure

Chairman: Appointed by the Central Government.
Reporting Authority: Directly reports to the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) to ensure functional independence.
Committees: Supported by expert committees such as the Safety Review Committee for Operating Plants (SARCOP) and Safety Review Committee for Applications of Radiation (SARCAR).

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GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Mahi Banswara Nuclear Project