Nuclear Power Plants in India | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Nuclear energy is an important component of the country’s energy mix and is being pursued along with other sources of energy in an optimal manner. It is a clean, environment friendly base load source of power available 24X7. It also has huge potential which can ensure long term energy security of the country in a sustainable manner.
There are presently 22 reactors with a total capacity of 6780 MW in operation and one reactor, KAPP-3 (700 MW) has been connected to the grid on January 10, 2021. In addition, there are 8 reactors (including 500 MW PFBR being implemented by BHAVINI) totaling to 6000 MW under construction at various stages.
The Government has accorded administrative approval and financial sanction for construction of 12 nuclear power reactors - 10 indigenous 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) to be set up in fleet mode & 2 units of Light Water Reactors (LWRs) to be set up in cooperation with Russian Federation. On progressive completion of the projects under construction and accorded sanction, the nuclear capacity is expected to reach 22480 MW by 2031. The Government has also accorded ‘In-Principle’ approval for five new sites for locating nuclear power plants in future.

List of Operational Nuclear power plants India

Tarapur Atomic Power Station

Kaiga Atomic Station

Nuclear Power Plants in IndiaRecent Developments 

Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam

• Delays Confirmed: PFBR commissioning is delayed due to first‑of‑a‑kind technical issues in its integrated commissioning phase, though these are being addressed systematically. 

• Revised Timeline: Core loading began in March 2024; current projections suggest operational readiness around September 2026. 

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) – Nuclear Energy Mission

• Budget Announcement: The 2025–26 Union Budget earmarked ₹20,000 crore (~US $2.4 billion) for developing at least five indigenously designed SMRs by 2033. 

• Policy Shifts: Amendments are planned for the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, aimed at enabling private and foreign participation. 

• Industry Engagement:

  • NTPC, India’s leading power generation firm, has issued a tender for SMR feasibility studies to replace retiring coal plants. 

  • Discussions are underway with foreign players—including Holtec (USA) and a Russian firm—for SMR collaboration.

• Global Linkages: India and France signed an LoI in early 2025 for cooperation on advanced modular and small modular reactors. 

National Capacity Targets

• Short-Term Target: India reaffirmed its goal to reach 22 GW of nuclear capacity by 2032 as part of the broader 100 GW by 2047 initiative.