India has a growing nuclear power program aimed at meeting its energy demands while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. As of October 2023, India operates 22 nuclear reactors across 7 nuclear power plants, contributing about 3% of the country’s total electricity generation. Here’s a list of the major nuclear power plants in India:
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1. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (Tamil Nadu)
– Location: Kudankulam, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu
– Operational Reactors: 2 (VVER-1000, Russian-designed)
– Capacity: 2,000 MW (1,000 MW each)
– Status: More reactors under construction (Units 3 to 6).
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2. Tarapur Atomic Power Station (Maharashtra)
– Location: Tarapur, Palghar district, Maharashtra
– Operational Reactors: 4 (2 BWRs and 2 PHWRs)
– Capacity: 1,400 MW
– Significance: India’s first nuclear power plant, commissioned in 1969.
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3. Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (Rajasthan)
– Location: Rawatbhata, Rajasthan
– Operational Reactors: 6 (PHWRs)
– Capacity: 1,180 MW
– Status: One of the largest nuclear power plants in India.
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4. Madras Atomic Power Station (Tamil Nadu)
– Location: Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu
– Operational Reactors: 2 (PHWRs)
– Capacity: 440 MW
– Significance: Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) under development here.
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5. Kaiga Nuclear Power Plant (Karnataka)
– Location: Kaiga, Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka
– Operational Reactors: 4 (PHWRs)
– Capacity: 880 MW
– Significance: Known for its high capacity utilization.
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6. Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (Gujarat)
– Location: Kakrapar, Surat district, Gujarat
– Operational Reactors: 3 (2 PHWRs + 1 IPHWR-700)
– Capacity: 1,140 MW
– Significance: Home to India’s first indigenously designed 700 MW reactor (Unit 3).
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7. Narora Atomic Power Station (Uttar Pradesh)
– Location: Narora, Bulandshahr district, Uttar Pradesh
– Operational Reactors: 2 (PHWRs)
– Capacity: 440 MW
– Significance: First nuclear power plant in North India.
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Under Construction and Planned Nuclear Power Plants
– Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (Haryana): 2 PHWRs under construction.
– Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant (Maharashtra): Planned in collaboration with France (EPR reactors).
– Kovvada Nuclear Power Plant (Andhra Pradesh): Planned with U.S. collaboration (AP1000 reactors).
– Chutka Nuclear Power Plant (Madhya Pradesh): 2 PHWRs planned.
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Key Facts About India’s Nuclear Power Program
– India is a leader in developing Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) using indigenous technology.
– The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) oversee nuclear power generation.
– India aims to increase nuclear power capacity to 22,480 MW by 2031 as part of its clean energy goals.
– India follows a three-stage nuclear program:
1. Stage 1: PHWRs using natural uranium.
2. Stage 2: Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) using plutonium.
3. Stage 3: Thorium-based reactors for long-term sustainability.
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Importance of Nuclear Power in India
– Provides a clean and reliable energy source.
– Reduces dependence on coal and other fossil fuels.
– Supports India’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions under the Paris Agreement.
