India Targets Significant Nuclear Power Growth by 2047

India is pursuing a significant expansion of its nuclear power capacity, aiming for a tenfold increase by 2047. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to diversify the country's energy supplies and enhance energy security.

To support this growth, India is focusing on developing the necessary supply chains and skills within its borders. Policies are in place to promote domestic manufacturing of energy technologies. Additionally, the National Critical Minerals Mission is working to secure raw material supplies essential for manufacturing components in the energy sector.

Uranium Fuel Arrives in Bangladesh for Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant

The first shipment of low-enriched uranium fuel for Unit 1 of the 2,400 MW Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) has arrived in Bangladesh. The fuel, manufactured by Rosatom's Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant, was transported from Russia to Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport via a heavy-lift cargo aircraft.

Following its arrival, the radiation-shielded containers were moved along a "green corridor" to the plant site in Ishwardi, Pabna. An official handover ceremony for the fuel was held in October 2023. The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, located in Rooppur village, is Bangladesh's inaugural nuclear power facility. It is being developed with technical support from the Russian Federation's State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom) and overseen by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission.

The project includes the construction of two third-generation VVER-1200 reactor units, designed to generate a combined 2,400 megawatts of baseload electricity. This delivery signifies a key milestone for Bangladesh as it progresses with its nuclear energy program.

US Lawmakers Propose $10 Billion Investment for Fusion Energy Commercialization

The 'American Leadership in Fusion Act,' sponsored by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA), aims to implement recommendations from the 'Fusion Forward' report, as well as recent reports from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Fusion Industry Association. The proposed legislation includes $10 billion in direct investments for high-priority activities, the creation of a workforce development program, and the establishment of an Office of Fusion at the DOE.

Rep. Lofgren stated that the bill would initiate a new era of fusion energy development in the United States, while Rep. Obernolte emphasized its role in supporting research infrastructure and commercialization pathways to maintain US leadership in fusion technologies.

Key Recommendations for Fusion Development

The Commission on Scaling of Fusion Energy has made several recommendations to advance fusion power in the United States. These include a call for the US president to issue an executive order recognizing fusion power as critical to national security and energy dominance. This order would direct the DOE to set a national fusion goal to begin construction of more than one industry-led demonstration power plant by the end of 2028.

  • A one-time investment of $10 billion to support research and development facilities and expand existing commercialization programs.
  • Collaboration with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to explore mass manufacture licensing pathways for fusion technologies.
  • Concerted action to develop a robust supply chain and avoid potential chokepoints, paired with the DOE’s commercialization program.

Industry Response

The fusion industry has expressed support for the proposed legislation. Andrew Holland, CEO of the Fusion Industry Association, noted that while the private fusion industry has attracted $4.5 billion in investment over the past year, federal government partnership is essential for deployment within the next decade. Bob Mumgaard, CEO of Commonwealth Fusion Systems, commented that the act would facilitate the progress of nuclear energy towards grid connection, leveraging the capabilities of national laboratories, universities, and fusion companies to attract further private investment.