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.
