New Delhi, India is set to incorporate an additional 18 nuclear power reactors, collectively possessing the capacity to produce 13,800 MWe of electricity. This move is expected to elevate the overall contribution of atomic power to the energy mix to 22,480 MWe by the fiscal year 2031-32. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) made this announcement subsequent to the dedication of two domestically constructed 700 MW nuclear power reactors at Kakrapar in Gujarat by Prime Minister Narendra Modi the previous week.

At present, NPCIL manages 24 reactors with a combined capacity of 8,180 MWe.

The dedication of units 3 & 4 of Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS 3 & 4) to the nation occurred on February 22, as declared by the prime minister.

KAPS-4 was linked to the western power grid on February 20, preceding PM Modi's visit to Kakrapar by two days.

KAPS 3 & 4 (2 X 700 MW) are recognized as the most extensive indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) possessing advanced safety features comparable to the global standards, according to NPCIL.

NPCIL stated, "These reactors have been designed, constructed, commissioned, and operated by NPCIL, with the supply of equipment and execution of contracts by Indian industries/companies, reflecting the true spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat."

The prime minister highlighted that the role of nuclear power in electricity generation is poised to increase in the 21st century. He expressed pride in India being self-reliant in this advanced technology.

During the occasion, Modi also toured the Control Room of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station.

Currently, four nuclear power plants of 1,000 MWe each are under construction at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu with Russian assistance. Additionally, four 700 MWe home-built PHWRs are in progress at Rawatbhata (RAPS 7 & 8) in Rajasthan and Gorakhpur (GHAVP 1 & 2) in Haryana.

Furthermore, ten 700 MWe PHWRs have been authorized for construction at GHAVP 3 & 4 in Gorakhpur, Kaiga Generating Station 5 & 6 near Karwar in Karnataka, Chutka in Madhya Pradesh (CMPAPP 1 & 2), and four power units at Mahi Banswara in Rajasthan (MBRAPP 1, 2, 3 & 4).