Synopsis
The Indian government plans to add 18 new nuclear reactors, boosting the country's electricity generation capacity by 13,800 MW. Official documents reveal that five sites have received preliminary approval for these projects, expanding India's nuclear infrastructure significantly.Key Takeaways
- 18 new nuclear reactors proposed
- 13,800 MW additional capacity planned
- Five sites received in-principle approval
- Current capacity in Tamil Nadu is 2,440 MW
- Ongoing projects in Rajasthan and Haryana
New Delhi, March 15 (NationPress) The Indian government has announced plans to establish 18 additional nuclear power reactors with a total capacity to produce 13,800 MW of electricity, with five sites already receiving in-principle approval, according to official documents.
The nuclear power facilities in Tamil Nadu include MAPS-1&2 (2X220 MW) located at Kalpakkam and KKNPP-1&2 (2X1,000 MW) situated at Kudankulam. This brings the total installed nuclear power capacity in the region to 2,440 MW, accounting for approximately 30 percent of India's overall installed capacity of 8,180 MW.
Currently, nuclear reactors are operational at 24 locations across the country, including states such as Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
A document from the Department of Atomic Energy reveals that nuclear power projects under construction include Rawatbhata in Rajasthan, which has a capacity of 2x700 MW. With a sanctioned budget exceeding Rs 22,900 crore, this project is anticipated to be finalized within the current financial year.
In Tamil Nadu, three units at Kundankulam and Kalpakkam are being developed, with a combined capacity of 2,500 MW, expected to be completed in stages from 2026 to 2028.
A nuclear facility with two 700 MW units is also under construction in Gorakhpur, Haryana, costing over Rs 20,000 crore, and is projected to be finished by 2031-32.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who oversees the Department of Atomic Energy, stated, “The identification process for potential sites for future nuclear power plants is ongoing, conducted by the Standing Site Selection Committee (SSSC) of the Department of Atomic Energy.”
Five new locations for upcoming nuclear power plants have received in-principle approval, which includes Andhra Pradesh’s Kovavada (6 units of 1,208 MW each), Maharashtra’s Jaitapur (6x1,730 MW), Gujarat’s Mithi Virdi (2x1,000 MW), Madhya Pradesh’s Bhimpur (4x700 MW), and West Bengal’s Haripur (6x1,000 MW).
