India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is set to significantly ramp up its nuclear power capacity in a bid to bolster its energy security and meet the burgeoning demands of its growing economy.
The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has unveiled plans to integrate 18 new nuclear reactors into the national energy grid by 2031–32, an initiative that will elevate the country’s nuclear power capacity to an impressive 22.4 gigawatts (GW).
The announcement comes hot on the heels of the inauguration ceremony led by Prime Minister Modi, where two domestically constructed 700-megawatt (MW) nuclear reactors were unveiled at Kakrapar in Gujarat. These reactors, known as Kakrapar Atomic Power Station units 3 and 4 (KAPS 3 and 4), mark a significant milestone in India’s indigenous nuclear
technology capabilities. Unit 3 commenced operations in August 2023, while Unit 4 achieved its criticality milestone in December of the same year, signaling a seamless integration into the power grid just days before the Prime Minister’s visit.
The addition of these 18 new reactors will collectively contribute an impressive 13.8 GW of electricity generation capacity, further solidifying India’s position as a key player in the global nuclear energy landscape. Currently, NPCIL operates 24 nuclear reactors across the country, with a combined capacity of 8.1 GW. However, with the upcoming expansion, India is poised to increase its nuclear power output by nearly 70% within the next decade.
This ambitious nuclear expansion initiative underscores India’s commitment to diversifying its energy portfolio while simultaneously reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. By harnessing the potential of nuclear energy, India aims to ensure a stable and sustainable power supply to fuel its economic growth trajectory. Moreover, this move aligns with the country’s broader efforts to address climate change concerns by transitioning towards cleaner energy sources.
As India embarks on this ambitious journey towards bolstering its nuclear power infrastructure, it not only reinforces its energy security but also sets a precedent for other nations looking to leverage nuclear energy to meet their growing energy needs in an environmentally responsible manner.
