Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors in India: An Update on Indigenous Designs

by

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION PAPERS

Explain the present status of indigenously designed pressurized Heavy Water Reactors in India. (HPAS Mains Question Paper 2022 – GS 3, Q.17)

Since the 1960s, India has relied heavily on pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs) as a significant source of nuclear energy. The PHWRs are widely regarded as one of the world’s most successful and dependable atomic reactor designs. India currently operates 22 nuclear reactors with a total installed capacity of approximately 6,780 MW, 18 of which are pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs).

In recent years, India has been developing indigenously designed PHWRs known as Advanced Heavy Water Reactors (AHWRs) based on pressurized heavy water technology. In comparison to earlier PHWR designs, the AHWRs are designed to have higher thermal efficiency, improved safety features, and enhanced proliferation resistance.

The AHWRs are currently in an advanced stage of development. The AHWR’s design is complete, and several critical systems and components have been developed and tested. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai is currently building a 300 MW prototype of the AHWR, which is expected to be operational by 2025. The prototype will be used to test and validate the AHWRs’ design and operation.

Aside from AHWRs, India is working on other advanced reactor designs, such as Compact High-Temperature Reactors (CHTRs) and Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs), that are based on different nuclear fuel cycles and technologies. These advanced reactor designs are expected to increase India’s nuclear power capacity while also improving the overall efficiency and safety of the country’s nuclear power plants.

Google search