India Boosts Nuclear Power Capacity with New Projects
India is propelling its nuclear energy ambitions forward, with a current installed capacity of 8,780 megawatts (MW) spread across 24 nuclear power plants. The nation has demonstrated significant growth in nuclear power generation over the past three years, achieving 45,855 million units (MUs) in 2022-23, increasing to 47,971 MUs in 2023-24, and projecting an impressive 56,681 MUs for 2024-25.
Ongoing and Upcoming Nuclear Projects
As part of its commitment to nuclear energy, India currently has 18 nuclear power reactors under implementation. This includes 10 reactors that are under construction, which feature the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) with a capacity of 500 MW, and an additional 8 reactors that are in the pre-project planning stages.
The following projects are currently under construction:
- Rajasthan: RAPP-8 (700 MW)
- Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu: KKNPP-3 & 4 (2 x 1000 MW)
- Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu: KKNPP-5 & 6 (2 x 1000 MW)
- Gorakhpur, Haryana: GHAVP-1 & 2 (2 x 700 MW)
- Kaiga, Karnataka: Kaiga-5 & 6 (2 x 700 MW)
- Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu: PFBR (1 x 500 MW)
Additionally, several projects are currently in the pre-project phase, which include:
- Gorakhpur, Haryana: GHAVP-3 & 4 (2 x 700 MW)
- Chutka, Madhya Pradesh: Chutka-1 & 2 (2 x 700 MW)
- Mahi Banswara, Rajasthan: Mahi Banswara-1 & 2 (2 x 700 MW)
- Mahi Banswara, Rajasthan: Mahi Banswara-3 & 4 (2 x 700 MW)
Strategic Initiatives and Future Prospects
The Department of Atomic Energy, led by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, has recently announced the government’s approval for the pre-project activities for a twin unit Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) project at Kalpakkam with a capacity of 2 x 500 MW. This strategic move will enhance India’s nuclear footprint and pave the way for additional energy sources as the country seeks to fulfill its growing energy needs sustainably.
On reaching the first criticality of the PFBR, the government is expected to be approached for financial sanctioning of the FBR 1 & 2 projects, marking another milestone in India’s nuclear journey. These initiatives underscore the government’s resolve to expand its nuclear energy sector, ensuring a robust and efficient energy landscape for the future.
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