India to expand nuclear power capacity with 18 new reactors by 2031-32

26 Feb 2024 CW Team

The newly inaugurated reactors, units 3 & 4 of Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS 3 & 4), were dedicated to the nation on February 22. KAPS-4 was successfully connected to the western power grid two days before the prime minister's visit. Notably, these 700 MW reactors represent the largest indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) equipped with advanced safety features, according to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).

NPCIL highlighted that the design, construction, commissioning, and operation of these reactors were entirely managed by Indian industries and companies, reflecting the ethos of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). PM Modi underscored the increasing role of nuclear power in electricity generation, expressing pride in India's technological advancement. During his visit to the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station, Modi also toured the Control Room, underscoring the government's commitment to nuclear energy development.

Besides the Kakrapar expansion, India is involved in several other nuclear projects. Notably, four 1,000 MWe nuclear power plants are under construction in Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu, with assistance from Russia. Furthermore, four 700 MWe PHWRs are in progress at Rawatbhata (RAPS 7 & 8) in Rajasthan and Gorakhpur (GHAVP 1 & 2) in Haryana. Additionally, ten 700 MWe PHWRs have received sanction for construction at various locations, including Gorakhpur, Kaiga Generating Station, Chutka, and Mahi Banswara.

India's ambitious plans to expand its nuclear power capacity signify a significant step towards achieving energy security and meeting the nation's growing electricity demands. With a focus on indigenous technology and self-reliance, India is poised to emerge as a critical player in the global nuclear energy landscape, contributing to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

India; Nuclear; Gujarat; Modi; PM Modi; NPCIL; Power Plant; Reactor

India is expanding its nuclear power capacity significantly with plans to add 18 new reactors by 2031-32. This initiative aims to generate 13,800 megawatts (MWe) of electricity, increasing the total share of atomic power in the country's energy mix to 22,480 MWe. The announcement came following the inauguration of two 700 MW nuclear power reactors at Kakrapar in Gujarat by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024. The newly inaugurated reactors, units 3 & 4 of Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS 3 & 4), were dedicated to the nation on February 22. KAPS-4 was successfully connected to the western power grid two days before the prime minister's visit. Notably, these 700 MW reactors represent the largest indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) equipped with advanced safety features, according to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). NPCIL highlighted that the design, construction, commissioning, and operation of these reactors were entirely managed by Indian industries and companies, reflecting the ethos of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). PM Modi underscored the increasing role of nuclear power in electricity generation, expressing pride in India's technological advancement. During his visit to the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station, Modi also toured the Control Room, underscoring the government's commitment to nuclear energy development. Besides the Kakrapar expansion, India is involved in several other nuclear projects. Notably, four 1,000 MWe nuclear power plants are under construction in Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu, with assistance from Russia. Furthermore, four 700 MWe PHWRs are in progress at Rawatbhata (RAPS 7 & 8) in Rajasthan and Gorakhpur (GHAVP 1 & 2) in Haryana. Additionally, ten 700 MWe PHWRs have received sanction for construction at various locations, including Gorakhpur, Kaiga Generating Station, Chutka, and Mahi Banswara. India's ambitious plans to expand its nuclear power capacity signify a significant step towards achieving energy security and meeting the nation's growing electricity demands. With a focus on indigenous technology and self-reliance, India is poised to emerge as a critical player in the global nuclear energy landscape, contributing to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.