India debuts largest homegrown nuclear reactor
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

India debuts largest homegrown nuclear reactor

According to officials overseeing the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station in Gujarat, India's success in connecting its largest domestically-built nuclear reactor to the grid is a boost for plans to deploy the technology to help the world's third-biggest polluter limit emissions.

As per India's atomic energy secretary KN Vyas, the 700 MW pressurised heavy water reactor of the atomic power station is the first of the 16 planned units that will help balance the grid against growing intermittent renewable generation.

Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL), which connected the reactor to the grid last week, expects to start five more units through March 2027, and is placing orders for another ten to be commissioned by 2031. According to the state monopoly, the fleet's combined cost is estimated at Rs 1.5 trillion ($20.4 billion).

India considers nuclear power a "safe, environmentally benign and economically viable source" of energy, it said in its document “Intended Nationally Determined Contributions” at the Paris climate summit in 2015. According to the document, the nation's goal is to achieve 63 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2032, given there is enough fuel to run the plants.

The country has 6.8 GW of existing nuclear generation capacity, which accounts for roughly 2% of the nation's total capacity. Coal-fired generation makes up about 53% of India's installed base, although its share has been declining in favour of cleaner generation and renewable power.

According to officials overseeing the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station in Gujarat, India's success in connecting its largest domestically-built nuclear reactor to the grid is a boost for plans to deploy the technology to help the world's third-biggest polluter limit emissions.As per India's atomic energy secretary KN Vyas, the 700 MW pressurised heavy water reactor of the atomic power station is the first of the 16 planned units that will help balance the grid against growing intermittent renewable generation. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL), which connected the reactor to the grid last week, expects to start five more units through March 2027, and is placing orders for another ten to be commissioned by 2031. According to the state monopoly, the fleet's combined cost is estimated at Rs 1.5 trillion ($20.4 billion). India considers nuclear power a safe, environmentally benign and economically viable source of energy, it said in its document “Intended Nationally Determined Contributions” at the Paris climate summit in 2015. According to the document, the nation's goal is to achieve 63 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2032, given there is enough fuel to run the plants. The country has 6.8 GW of existing nuclear generation capacity, which accounts for roughly 2% of the nation's total capacity. Coal-fired generation makes up about 53% of India's installed base, although its share has been declining in favour of cleaner generation and renewable power.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

BMC Gets CRZ Nod For Rs 40 Million Gorai Bridge Rebuild

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has secured Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for the reconstruction of the Poisar River bridge in Gorai, located in Mumbai’s western suburbs. However, the proposed demolition of the existing 100-metre bridge has sparked opposition from local residents, who claim it serves as the only direct access route between the Lower and Upper Koliwada areas. The three-decade-old bridge, situated within the CRZ buffer zone, was recently declared structurally unsafe following a civic audit. The BMC has sanctioned its reconstruction at an estimated cost ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

NHAI Completes Rs 15.9 Billion Four-Lane Stretch On ECR

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has completed the four-laning of the 38 km Puducherry–Poondiyankuppam stretch, ending near Cuddalore, in a development that will cut travel time by up to two hours, according to a report by The New Indian Express. The upgraded section, built at a cost of Rs 15.9 billion under the Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase I, marks a major milestone in the ongoing East Coast Road (ECR) widening programme. The project promises a smoother, faster drive for motorists travelling towards Cuddalore, Chidambaram, Sirkazhi, and Nagapattinam. With this completion, 22..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Encroachments Delay Rs 1 Billion Ghatkopar Bridge Project

The construction of a new cable-stayed rail overbridge at Ghatkopar and the widening of the Andheri–Ghatkopar Link Road (AGLR) have been delayed due to the presence of nearly 250 encroached structures on both sides of the road. In response, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has directed officials to carry out a structural audit of the existing bridge over the railway line and enforce temporary restrictions on heavy vehicles to ensure public safety. The bridge, which starts at the Golibar Road junction near LBS Marg and extends up to the Eastern Express Highway (EEH), serves as a critic..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?