KAPS-4 Nuclear Plant Begins Full Operations at 700 MW Capacity

India’s Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) Unit 4 in Gujarat has successfully commenced full operations at its 700 MW capacity as of August 21, 2024. This milestone marks the full deployment of the country's second home-built 700 MW nuclear reactor, based on the indigenous pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR) design.

Prior to reaching full capacity, KAPS-4 had been operating at 90% power. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) confirmed that the power increase was in accordance with approvals from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). The reactor officially began commercial operations on March 31, 2024.

India is currently constructing 14 more reactors of the same 700 MW PHWR design, with plans for them to be operational by 2031-32. These reactors will add to NPCIL's existing fleet of 24 reactors, which collectively generate 8,180 MW. Additionally, eight more units with a capacity of 6,800 MW are under construction.

With further expansion, India’s total installed nuclear power capacity is expected to reach 22,480 MW by 2031-32, significantly enhancing the country's energy portfolio and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.

News by Rahul Yelligetti