The Nuclear Power Scenario in India
India is one of the leading countries in the atomic energy sector, with an ambitious plan to increase its nuclear power generation capacity by 2025. However, the question remains about the number of nuclear power plants currently operational in India. In this article, we will delve into the details of India’s nuclear power scenario and answer this question.
How Many Nuclear Plants in India?
As of 2022, there are currently 22 operational nuclear reactors in India, consisting of 10 reactors operated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and 12 reactors operated by theIndira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
Geographical Distribution of Nuclear Reactors
The 10 operational reactors operated by the NPCIL are located across 7 coastal states in India:
- Madhya Pradesh: 2 reactors – Kakrapar Atomic Power Plant (KAP), 1,400 MWe and 1,000 MWe
- Gujarat: 2 reactors – Kakrapar Atomic Power Plant, 1,400 MWe and 1,000 MWe, Gujarat Atomic Power Plant (Mapusa), 1,400 MWe
- Maharashtra: 2 reactors – Mithi Virdhi Atomic Power Plant (HVAP), 1,000 MWe and Talgoj Atomic Power Station (TAPS), 1,000 Mwe
- Andhra Pradesh: 2 reactors – Narora Atomic Power Plant (NAPM), 1,350 MWe and Kaknapur Atomic Power Plant, 1,000 MWe
- Assam: 1 reactor – Rihand Peaking Power Plant (RSS), 210 Mwe
- Odisha: 1 reactor – Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KF), 1,900 MWe
- Tamil Nadu: 1 reactor – Kakinada Atomic Power Plant, 1,000 MWe
Nuclear Power Plants Under Construction/Planned
India currently has 6 nuclear plants under construction, with additional 12 plants planned and under consideration. Key details of these projects can be found in the tables below:
Under Construction:
| Plant name | Location | Capacity(MWe) | Completion(year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu Atomic Power Plant-II | Tamil Nadu | 1,000 | 2023 |
| Atomic Power Plant, Gorakhpur | Madhya Pradesh | 1,480 | 2025 |
| Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant-AE | Tamil Nadu | 1,200 | 2025 |
| Kakrapar Atomic Power Plant-3&4 | Gujarat | 870 | 2025 |
Planned and under consideration:
| Project name | Location | Capacity(MWe) | Capacity factor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project | Maharashtra | 9,900 | … | Under consideration |
- Jaitapur plant is expected to produce 15,000 MWH of electricity per day at full capacity
- Gujarat also has plans to set up a 6,100 MWe nuclear power unit at the Kakrapar site
- Madhya Pradesh is planning to build 2,000 MWh of nuclear power reactors at the Gorakpur site
Significant Milestones and Developments
- 2012: India’s nuclear agency, the Atomic Energy Regulation Board (AERB), granted approval for Russia’s Rosatom to export nuclear reactors to India as part of the December 2010 Indo-US nuclear deal.
- 2015: Union Carbide’s Bt-9 reactor, shut down in 1987 after a radiation leak caused by a cooling system pipe rupture, was officially put out of commission.
- 2017: Tata Sponge Products witnessed signs of decommissioning at the Rajpura Thermal Power Plan, which had a cumulative capacity of 500 units.
- 2022: India’s Nuclear Liability Act, which fines operators for accidents rather than the suppliers, raised concerns about the impact it could have on foreign uranium suppliers.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
India remains committed to increasing its energy production through nuclear power as part of its ambitious Vision 2030. Existing and planned nuclear power units will play a significant role in meeting the country’s growing energy demands. Recent developments, such as significant milestones and the nuclear plan, demonstrate India’s desire to expand its nuclear potential.
