List of Nuclear Power Plants in India
There are 7 Nuclear Power Plants in India with 24 operational nuclear reactors. Explore the complete list of Nuclear Power Plants in India for UPSC preparation.
Gaurav Soni23 Oct, 2024
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Nuclear Power Plants in India: India is a growing powerhouse in nuclear energy, with a total capacity of 8080 MWe in 24 operational nuclear power reactors. These nuclear reactors are strategically located in 6 states across the country.
The total number of nuclear power plants in India currently stands at 7 which utilize various technologies, primarily Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs), and play a crucial role in enhancing India's energy security. Keep reading to learn more about nuclear power plants in India.Nuclear Power in India
India’s journey with nuclear energy began with the establishment of India's first nuclear power plant, the Tarapur Atomic Power Station , in Maharashtra. Since then, nuclear power has grown as a key contributor to India's electricity supply. This nuclear energy is important for India due to several reasons:- Energy Security: As a rapidly growing economy, India needs a stable and reliable energy supply. Nuclear power, with its high capacity and low carbon emissions, is essential for achieving energy security.
- Environmentally Friendly : Nuclear power is a clean energy source, emitting no greenhouse gases during operation. This helps India meet its international commitments to reduce carbon emissions under the Paris Agreement.
- Indigenous Technology Development : India has made significant progress in developing indigenous nuclear technologies to strengthen self-reliance in the energy sector.
- Global Partnerships: India’s nuclear energy program has benefited from collaborations with countries like Russia and France, helping to promote strong international relations.
List of Nuclear Power Plants Under Operation
India currently operates 7 nuclear power plants with a total of 24 nuclear power reactors. These plants are primarily managed by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). Here’s a list of major nuclear power plants in India which are currently in operation:| List of Nuclear Power Plants in India (Under Operation) | |||||
| Plant | State | Total Units | Date of Operation | Type | Fact |
| Tarapur Atomic Power Station | Maharashtra | 4 | 1969 | Unit 1 & 2 Boiling Water Reactor (BWR), Unit 3 & 4 Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) | India's first nuclear power plant , oldest operational unit. |
| Rajasthan Atomic Power Station | Rajasthan | 6 | 1973 | Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) | Known for consistent performance and one of India's largest. |
| Madras Atomic Power Station | Tamil Nadu | 2 | 1984 | PHWR | First indigenously constructed nuclear plant. |
| Narora Atomic Power Station | Uttar Pradesh | 2 | 1991 | PHWR | Located on the banks of the Ganges, known for its safety systems. |
| Kaiga Atomic Power Station | Karnataka | 4 | 2000 | PHWR | Built in a seismically sensitive zone with advanced safety features. |
| Kakrapar Atomic Power Station | Gujarat | 4 | 1993 | PHWR | Recently upgraded with indigenous reactor technology (Unit-4). |
| Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant | Tamil Nadu | 2 (under expansion) | 2014 | Water-Water Energetic Reactor (VVER) -1000 (PWR) | Largest nuclear power plant in India with plans for expansion. |
Major Nuclear Power Plants in India
India's nuclear power sector is a crucial component of its energy strategy, featuring 7 major plants that enhance energy security of the country.Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (Tamil Nadu)
Currently the largest nuclear power plant in India , Kudankulam has an installed capacity of 2,000 MW, with plans for further expansion. The Kudankulam plant is not just the largest nuclear power plant in India, but also the most modern, equipped with advanced safety features.Tarapur Atomic Power Station (Maharashtra)
India’s first nuclear power plant, operational since 1969, Tarapur is one of the oldest and largest nuclear power plants in India . With a total capacity of 1,400 MW, it features two older boiling water reactors (BWR) of 160 MW each and two newer pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWR) of 540 MW eachKakrapar Atomic Power Station (Gujarat)
Commissioned in 1993, this station has an installed capacity of 1,840 MW. Kakrapar recently made headlines with the launch of its Unit-4 in 2024 which uses Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology, a major achievement for India’s indigenous nuclear program.Kaiga Atomic Power Station (Karnataka)
The Kaiga Atomic Power Station, located in Karnataka, has been operational since 2000 and serves as a key nuclear facility for southern India. Kaiga was first nuclear power station that was built with Pressurised Heavy Water reactors technology. With a total capacity of 880 MW, it currently consists of four units utilizing PHWR technology.Rawatbhata Nuclear Power Plant (Rajasthan)
The Rawatbhata Nuclear Power Plant, located near Kota in Rajasthan, is India’s first CANada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) type pressurized heavy water reactor. Operational since 1973, it is known as the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station and has a total capacity of 1,180 MW, consisting of six units.Narora Atomic Power Station (Uttar Pradesh)
The Narora Atomic Power Station, located in Uttar Pradesh, has been operational since the early 1990s. With a total capacity of 440 MW, it features two units that utilize Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology. Narora is also home to about 200 species of birds , both resident and migratory.Kalpakkam Nuclear Power Station (Tamil Nadu)
Kalpakkam is officially known as the Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS) and is notable for housing the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) . Established in 1984, it has played a key role in advancing nuclear technology and research in India, while also supporting the local economy. These plants not only contribute significantly to the grid but also reflect India's technological progress in nuclear energy.Nuclear Power Plants In India (Future projects)
India has ambitious plans for expanding its nuclear power capacity. Some upcoming nuclear power plants include:| Nuclear Power Plants In India (Future projects) | |||||
| Project Name | Location | Units | Capacity (MWe) | Type | Current Status |
| Nuclear Power Project | Mithi Virdi, Gujarat | 6 | 1000 each | Light water reactor (LWR) | In-Principle approval; EIA studies in progress |
| Nuclear Power Project | Kovvada, Andhra Pradesh | 6 | 1000 each | LWR | ToR for EIA obtained; studies ongoing |
| Nuclear Power Project | Chutaka, Madhya Pradesh | 2 | 700 each | PHWR | Environmental clearance obtained; EIA studies ongoing |
| Kaiga 5 & 6 | Karnataka | 2 | 700 each | PHWR | Environmental clearance obtained; EIA reports in progress |
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Nuclear Power Plants In India FAQs
How many Nuclear Power Plants are in India?
Currently, there are 24 operational nuclear reactors spread across various nuclear power plants in India, contributing a combined capacity of 7,480 MW.
What is the largest nuclear power plant in India?
The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu is the largest nuclear power plant in India, with an installed capacity of 2,000 MW and future expansion plans.
Which was India’s first nuclear power plant?
India's first nuclear power plant is the Tarapur Atomic Power Station, commissioned in 1969 in Maharashtra.
What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)?
Small Modular Reactors are a new generation of nuclear reactors that are smaller in size, can be built more quickly, and offer flexibility in terms of scaling nuclear power capacity.
How important are nuclear power plants in India for UPSC aspirants?
Understanding nuclear power plants in India is essential for UPSC aspirants, as it is a key topic in exams, especially in subjects like geography, science, and technology.
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