India to Expand Nuclear Power Capacity, Targets 13,800 MWe by 2031-32

26 Feb 2024 CW Team

The announcement follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inauguration of two domestically constructed 700 MWe nuclear power reactors at Kakrapar in Gujarat just last week. Presently, NPCIL operates 24 reactors with a combined capacity of 8,180 MWe.

The dedication ceremony, held on February 22, marked the unveiling of units 3 & 4 of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS 3 & 4). KAPS-4 was successfully connected to the western power grid on February 20, two days before the prime minister's visit, showcasing India's commitment to timely project execution.

Described as the largest indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) with advanced safety features comparable to global standards, KAPS 3 & 4 represent a significant stride in India's nuclear technology prowess. The NPCIL emphasized that these reactors were entirely designed, constructed, commissioned, and operated by NPCIL, with domestic companies playing a pivotal role in the supply of equipment and execution of contracts, aligning with the principles of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi underscored the growing role of nuclear power in electricity generation in the 21st century, expressing pride in India's self-reliance in this advanced technology. Modi also toured the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station, including a visit to the Control Room, highlighting the government's commitment to ensuring the nation's energy security through diversified sources.

In addition to the Kakrapar expansion, India's nuclear ambitions include the construction of four nuclear power plants of 1,000 MWe each at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu with Russian collaboration. Moreover, four 700 MWe PHWRs are underway at Rawatbhata (RAPS 7 & 8) in Rajasthan and Gorakhpur (GHAVP 1 & 2) in Haryana. Further, plans for ten 700 MWe PHWRs have been sanctioned, including projects at GHAVP 3 & 4 in Gorakhpur, Kaiga Generating Station 5 & 6 in Karnataka, Chutka in Madhya Pradesh (CMPAPP 1 & 2), and four power units at Mahi Banswara in Rajasthan (MBRAPP 1, 2, 3 & 4).

India's strategic push towards nuclear power expansion underscores its commitment to meeting the nation's growing energy demands while aligning with global sustainability goals.

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India is set to bolster its nuclear power capabilities with the addition of 18 new reactors, aimed at significantly enhancing the country's energy landscape. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) unveiled plans to incorporate these reactors, which will collectively generate 13,800 megawatts electric (MWe) of electricity, projecting a substantial rise in atomic power's contribution to the nation's energy mix, reaching 22,480 MWe by 2031-32. The announcement follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inauguration of two domestically constructed 700 MWe nuclear power reactors at Kakrapar in Gujarat just last week. Presently, NPCIL operates 24 reactors with a combined capacity of 8,180 MWe. The dedication ceremony, held on February 22, marked the unveiling of units 3 & 4 of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS 3 & 4). KAPS-4 was successfully connected to the western power grid on February 20, two days before the prime minister's visit, showcasing India's commitment to timely project execution. Described as the largest indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) with advanced safety features comparable to global standards, KAPS 3 & 4 represent a significant stride in India's nuclear technology prowess. The NPCIL emphasized that these reactors were entirely designed, constructed, commissioned, and operated by NPCIL, with domestic companies playing a pivotal role in the supply of equipment and execution of contracts, aligning with the principles of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). During his visit, Prime Minister Modi underscored the growing role of nuclear power in electricity generation in the 21st century, expressing pride in India's self-reliance in this advanced technology. Modi also toured the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station, including a visit to the Control Room, highlighting the government's commitment to ensuring the nation's energy security through diversified sources. In addition to the Kakrapar expansion, India's nuclear ambitions include the construction of four nuclear power plants of 1,000 MWe each at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu with Russian collaboration. Moreover, four 700 MWe PHWRs are underway at Rawatbhata (RAPS 7 & 8) in Rajasthan and Gorakhpur (GHAVP 1 & 2) in Haryana. Further, plans for ten 700 MWe PHWRs have been sanctioned, including projects at GHAVP 3 & 4 in Gorakhpur, Kaiga Generating Station 5 & 6 in Karnataka, Chutka in Madhya Pradesh (CMPAPP 1 & 2), and four power units at Mahi Banswara in Rajasthan (MBRAPP 1, 2, 3 & 4). India's strategic push towards nuclear power expansion underscores its commitment to meeting the nation's growing energy demands while aligning with global sustainability goals.

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