India Powers Ahead: Indigenous Nuclear Reactors at Kakrapar Get Operational Green Light

 India Powers Ahead: Indigenous Nuclear Reactors at Kakrapar Get Operational Green Light

India’s ambitions for clean and self-reliant energy received a major boost as two indigenously developed nuclear reactors at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat were officially cleared for operation. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has granted the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) a five-year licence to operate Units 3 and 4 — both advanced 700 megawatt electric (MWe) pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs).

This marks a significant milestone for India’s nuclear program. The 700 MWe PHWRs are the first of their kind, designed and built entirely with Indian expertise. The operational clearance is a strong endorsement of India’s engineering capabilities and commitment to expanding its nuclear energy portfolio using indigenous technology.

KAPS-3 had already been permitted to operate at full power since August 2023, followed by KAPS-4 in August 2024. Now, with the full operational licence officially handed over on July 3, both units can contribute consistently to the national grid, supporting India’s growing energy needs while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

The path to this approval was long and meticulous. Because the reactors are based on a new, scaled-up design, the licensing process involved over a decade of detailed safety assessments, technical reviews, and phased commissioning. Experts from multiple technical support organisations, along with AERB teams, scrutinised every aspect of the project — from site selection and construction to full-power performance.

According to the AERB, these multi-tiered reviews were essential for ensuring the reactors meet the highest standards of safety and reliability throughout their lifecycle. Given the scale and complexity of the project, the review process took nearly 15 years — a testament to India’s cautious and safety-first approach to nuclear energy.

For NPCIL, this is more than just a regulatory nod. It’s a green signal for the future. The successful commissioning of KAPS-3 and KAPS-4 lays the groundwork for India’s larger plan to roll out 10 similar PHWRs in what’s known as the “fleet mode” — an efficient strategy to accelerate nuclear power deployment across the country.

With the world increasingly turning to clean energy solutions, India’s progress in indigenous nuclear technology positions it as a serious player in the global shift toward sustainable and secure energy.