India: Nuclear Electricity Generation, by year
YearElectricity generation,
in TWh
202345.86
202247.11
202143.03
202046.38
201937.70
201838.35
201737.70
201637.40
201536.10
201434.20
201332.90
201232.30
201126.30
  • Region: India
  • Time period: FY 2011 to FY 2023
  • Published: Oct 2023

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Apr 7, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Overview of Nuclear Electricity Generation Growth

Nuclear electricity generation in India has shown a notable increase from 26.30 terawatt-hours in FY 2011 to 45.86 terawatt-hours in FY 2023. The growth over this 12-year period highlights a significant advancement in nuclear power generation capabilities, marking an overall increase of approximately 74.4%.

Year-on-Year Variability

The data reveals fluctuations in year-on-year electricity generation, with the most significant increase observed between FY 2018 and FY 2019, where generation rose by 9.35 terawatt-hours, indicating an approximate 24.4% increase. Conversely, FY 2022 experienced a drop to 47.11 terawatt-hours from the previous year, showing a slight decrease in nuclear power generation efficiency or capacity utilization during that period.

Recent Trends in Electricity Generation

A closer examination of the more recent years shows a slight decline from FY 2022’s peak of 47.11 terawatt-hours to 45.86 terawatt-hours in FY 2023. This downturn could suggest various factors, including maintenance cycles of nuclear plants, operational challenges, or transitions in energy policy affecting output levels.

Assessment of Peak Generation

FY 2022 stands out as the year with the highest nuclear electricity generation at 47.11 terawatt-hours, marking a milestone in India's nuclear energy production history. This peak indicates the culmination of efforts in expanding nuclear capacity and optimizing operational efficiency up to that point.

Long-term Growth Pattern

Over the span from FY 2011 to FY 2023, India's nuclear electricity generation exhibits a compound growth pattern, characterized by gradual increases interspersed with periods of stabilization or slight decline. The overall trajectory underscores the country’s commitment to enhancing its nuclear power generation infrastructure as a part of its broader energy mix.

Comparison of Initial and Final Years

Comparing the initial and final years in the dataset shows that FY 2023’s electricity generation of 45.86 terawatt-hours more than doubles the generation of FY 2011, which was 26.30 terawatt-hours. This comparison vividly illustrates the progress made in nuclear power generation capacity over the past decade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which year showed the most significant increase in nuclear electricity generation?

FY 2018 to FY 2019 marked the most significant increase in nuclear electricity generation, with a rise of 9.35 terawatt-hours, a jump of about 24.4%.

What was the peak year in terms of nuclear electricity generation in India?

The year with the highest nuclear electricity generation in India's history was FY 2022, with a peak output of 47.11 terawatt-hours.

Terms and Definitions

Nuclear electricity is the electric power generated through nuclear reactions. These reactions, particularly nuclear fission, involve splitting the nucleus of an atom, which releases vast amounts of energy that can be harnessed to produce electricity.

A nuclear power plant is a facility designed to extract usable energy from atomic nuclei through controlled nuclear reactions. The most common method used is nuclear fission where the nucleus of a heavy atom, typically uranium or plutonium, is split into two or more smaller nuclei generating a large amount of thermal energy.

A nuclear reactor is the component of a nuclear power plant where nuclear fission occurs. It contains the nuclear fuel (usually uranium or plutonium), the control rods that sustain the reaction, and the reactor coolant which transfers the enormous amounts of thermal energy produced to a generator.

Uranium is a heavy, naturally-occurring radioactive element that is commonly used as fuel in nuclear reactors. It is the source of nuclear fission, where its nucleus is split, releasing vast amounts of energy in the form of heat.

Plutonium is a man-made radioactive metal, produced in a nuclear reactor from uranium. Like uranium, plutonium can be used as fuel in nuclear reactors as it also undergoes fission, releasing a large amount of energy.

Control rods in a nuclear reactor absorb the neutrons produced during nuclear fission to control the rate of reaction. This absorption prevents a nuclear chain reaction from escalating to dangerous levels but allows for a constant release of energy.

Thermal energy is the internal energy present in a system due to its temperature. It consists of the kinetic and potential energy of its particles. In a nuclear power plant, the thermal energy produced by nuclear fission is converted into electrical energy.

In a nuclear reactor, a coolant is a fluid that circulates to remove or lessen the heat generated. It plays a central role in the conversion of the thermal energy produced during nuclear fission into electrical energy by carrying this heat to a power generator.

A power generator is a device that converts mechanical energy captured from sources such as nuclear fission (via thermal energy) into electrical energy. This electrical energy is then transmitted to the electricity grid and distributed for use.
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