Atomic Energy Board Issues Operational License for Two Domestic 700 MWe Reactors

India's path in nuclear development

It started soon after Independence with the formation of the Atomic Energy Commission in 1948.

In 1956, the first research reactor in Asia, Apsara, was launched at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Trombay.

In 1969, India became the second Asian country to construct a nuclear power plant at Tarapur, following Japan and significantly ahead of China.

It also established a remarkable nuclear research and development program in the 1950s and 1960s with considerable support from its Western allies.

India's three-stage nuclear energy initiative, designed to guarantee enduring energy stability, was conceived by Dr. Homi J. Bhabha and backed by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai.

They highlighted the creation of Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs), which generate additional fuel while consuming some by transforming fertile isotopes into fissile substances.

Nuclear program with three stages

STAGE 1: Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) utilize natural uranium fuel to produce electricity, simultaneously generating fissile plutonium (Pu239), which can be retrieved by reprocessing the used fuel.

It employs heavy water (deuterium oxide) for both cooling and moderation. The program has been enhanced by the establishment of imported Light Water Reactors (LWRs).

India’s Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) initiative started in the late 1960s with the establishment of RAPS-1, a 220 MWe reactor influenced by Canadian design.

India presently runs 15 PHWRs with a capacity of 220 MWe and two with a capacity of 540 MWe.

STAGE 2: This stage includes the establishment of Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) similar to those at Kalpakkam, utilizing plutonium-based fuels, which can increase nuclear energy output and transform fertile thorium into fissile uranium (U233).

Recycling the spent fuel is essential for effective use of the plutonium stockpile.

ETAPA 3: La tercera etapa se centrará en el ciclo de ThU233. U233 generated in the second phase can be utilized in the third phase of the energy program, which includes advanced thermal and fast breeder reactors, ensuring long-term energy security.

The Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) is suggested for this purpose. Currently, molten salt reactors are regarded as a viable alternative.

Government Efforts to Boost India’s Nuclear Capability

India is actively boosting its nuclear energy capacity to address increasing energy needs and fulfill environmental objectives.

The government has begun actions to boost nuclear power capacity from the existing 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32.

This expansion involves the building and activation of ten reactors, amounting to 8,000 MW, in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.

Moreover, preliminary activities for an additional ten reactors have started, aiming for gradual finalization by 2031-32.

Additionally, the government granted preliminary approval to establish 6 x 1208 MW nuclear power plants in partnership with the USA at Kovvada in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh.

The Union Budget 2025-26 emphasizes a major move towards nuclear energy as a component of India’s enduring energy transition plan.

The government aims for an ambitious goal of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047, establishing nuclear energy as a key component in India’s energy framework.

Recent Advancements in India's Nuclear Energy Sector

India's nuclear energy industry has experienced significant advancements lately.

A major new uranium deposit has been found close to the Jaduguda Mines, prolonging the lifespan of the nation’s oldest uranium mine by more than 50 years.

In FY 2023–2024, the first two domestic 700 MWe PHWR units at Kakrapar (KAPS-3 & 4) went into commercial service.

India's first Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR-500 MWe) reached significant milestones in 2024, such as the commissioning of the sodium system and the beginning of core loading in March, signifying advancements in the closed fuel cycle.

Furthermore, under the Atomic Energy Act, NPCIL and NTPC established a joint venture called ASHVINI to construct, own, and run nuclear power plants, including the proposed 4×700 MWe PHWR project in Rajasthan's Mahi-Banswara.