The Kakrapar Nuclear Power Plant (KAPP) in Gujarat has reached a significant milestone as its Unit 4 (KAPS-4) successfully attained full operational capacity. This achievement marks a pivotal moment in India’s nuclear energy sector, showcasing the country’s advanced capabilities in indigenous nuclear technology. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) announced that KAPS-4, a 700 MW pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR), is now operating at its maximum potential. This comes after its commercial operations commenced on March 31, 2024. The reactor, which was initially running at 90% capacity, received the necessary approval from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) to scale up to its full 700 MW capacity.

KAPS-4 is the second reactor of its kind at the Kakrapar site, following the successful operation of Unit 3, which reached full capacity in September 2023. – Aditya Shrivastava BHARAT РОССИЯ The operation of these twin reactors underscores the robustness and reliability of India’s first-of-its-kind 700 MW PHWR design, a testament to the country’s growing prowess in nuclear energy.

Technological Advancements and Historical Context

The IPHWR-700, the reactor design used in KAPS-4, represents a significant evolution of India’s nuclear capabilities. This reactor design builds on the experience gained from the earlier 220 MW and 540 MW CANDU reactors. Introduced to India in the late 1960s with the Canadian-supplied RAPS-1 reactor in Rajasthan, PHWR technology has been adapted and enhanced through decades of research and development at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and NPCIL.

Following Canada’s exit from the project in 1974, India continued its nuclear program independently, leveraging Soviet assistance to localise VVER technology. Today, nearly 100% of the components used in the IPHWR-700 reactors are manufactured in India, reflecting the country’s self-reliance in nuclear technology.

Kakrapar Nuclear Power Plant: A Legacy of Excellence

Located near Surat in Gujarat, the Kakrapar Nuclear Power Plant has been a cornerstone of India’s nuclear energy infrastructure since its first unit was commissioned in 1993. The plant’s expansion with Units 3 and 4, both 700 MW reactors, is set to significantly boost the plant’s overall output, which previously consisted of two 220 MW reactors. The journey of KAPS-4 from its inception in January 2010 to reaching full power today highlights India’s commitment to enhancing its energy security through nuclear power. NPCIL’s current fleet of 24 reactors, with a total capacity of 8,180 MW, is a testament to this dedication. With eight more units under construction and ten additional reactors in the pre-design stage, India’s installed nuclear power capacity is projected to reach 22,480 MW by 2031-32.

A Bright Future for Indian Nuclear Energy

The successful operation of KAPS-4 at full capacity is not just a milestone for the Kakrapar Nuclear Power Plant but also a symbol of India’s growing energy independence. As the nation continues to expand its nuclear fleet, it stands poised to meet the increasing energy demands of its population while contributing to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.