India’s second 700 MW nuclear reactor at Kakrapar reaches full capacity

India’s second home-built 700 MW nuclear reactor at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat has started operating at full capacity as of August 21, 2024. According to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL), Unit 4 at KAPS, which had been operating at 90% capacity, has now reached its full power of 700 MWe. This achievement is credited to the indigenous design of the 700 MW pressurised heavy water reactor (PHWR).

The unit, which began commercial operations on March 31, 2024, increased its power level per permissions from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

India is currently constructing 14 more reactors of the same 700 MW design, which are expected to become operational progressively by 2031-32. NPCIL operates 24 reactors with a combined capacity of 8,180 MW and has eight units under construction, totalling 6,800 MW. Additionally, 10 reactors with a total capacity of 7,000 MW are in the pre-project stage.

These developments will bring India’s total installed nuclear power capacity to 22,480 MW by 2031-32.