Kakrapur Atomic Power Station, Gujarat.
India has achieved a significant milestone with the operational launch of its second indigenous 700 MW nuclear power reactor at the Kakrapur Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat, which officially began full power operations on August 21, 2024.
The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) announced that Unit 4 at KAPS, which had been functioning at 90% capacity, has now reached its maximum output of 700 MWe.
The initiation of full power operation for KAPS-4, following the successful ramp-up of its twin unit KAPS-3, underscores the efficacy of the innovative indigenous 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology developed in India.
After achieving first criticality on December 17, 2023, KAPS-4 progressed to commercial operations on March 31, 2024, with the power level enhancement carried out under strict supervision by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).
This development is part of India’s broader nuclear energy expansion strategy, which includes the construction of 14 additional 700 MW reactors expected to begin operations between 2031 and 2032.
Currently, NPCIL operates a total of 24 reactors generating a cumulative 8180 MW, with another eight units under construction that will contribute an additional 6800 MW. Furthermore, plans for 10 more reactors, adding up to 7000 MW, are in the pre-project phase, projected to elevate India’s nuclear power capacity to 22,480 MW by 2031-32.
