India’s nuclear ambitions have always captured the world’s attention, evoking both wonder and scrutiny. With the recent announcement that its first domestically developed 700 MW nuclear power plant in Gujarat’s Kakrapar is operating at full capacity, India has challenged traditional perspectives on its technological capabilities and dedication to renewable energy.
The reactor’s commercial operations commenced on 30 June, initially functioning at 90% capacity. Since then, it has evolved into a fully scaled operation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi heralded this milestone, elevating the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)—the mastermind behind this endeavour—into the league of nations making decisive strides towards energy self-sufficiency.
NPCIL has already charted the construction of two more 700 MW pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs) at Kakrapar. Simultaneously, the commissioning of another unit, KAPP 4, is well underway, reaching an impressive 97.56% completion by July. Factor in NPCIL’s ambitious blueprint to build 16 more 700 MW PHWRs across the subcontinent, and it becomes evident that India is not just experimenting with nuclear power—it’s going all-in.
What sets India’s nuclear trajectory apart are not just its indigenous technologies. Unlike global nuclear powerhouses that typically rely on uranium, India has capitalised on its abundant thorium reserves. With beaches in Kerala and Orissa brimming with monazite—a mineral with a thorium content between 8-10%—India gains an advantage in fortifying its long-term energy policy.
The government’s vision doesn’t end there. It has greenlit the construction of 10 domestically developed PHWRs, deploying what it terms as “fleet mode” at four additional sites: Gorakhpur in Haryana, Chutka in Madhya Pradesh, Mahi Banswara in Rajasthan, and Kaiga in Karnataka. This move further cements India’s resolve to establish itself as a nuclear sector front-runner, excelling not just in capacity but also in technological innovation.
Yet India’s journey towards nuclear ascendency is not meant to be a solo act. A government panel led by think-tank Niti Aayog has recommended engaging private sector participation, both domestic and international. The Atomic Energy Act of 1962 traditionally relegated private entities to the role of “junior equity partners,” but this dynamic is poised to change. Companies such as Westinghouse Electric, GE-Hitachi, Electricite de France, and Rosatom might soon find the Indian nuclear landscape more accommodating, offering a boost in technology and fresh perspectives.
One fascinating element in India’s nuclear strategy is the emphasis on small modular reactors (SMRs). Unlike their bulkier counterparts, SMRs are manufactured in factories, necessitate less capital and land, and can be seamlessly incorporated into populated regions. Currently contributing a mere 3% to India’s total power generation, SMRs have the potential to amplify the role of nuclear energy significantly.
There is also a proposal in the works to gradually retire ageing coal-based plants, replacing them with these modular reactors. Considering that coal constitutes three-quarters of India’s energy mix, the moment is opportune for a monumental shift towards cleaner, more effective energy solutions. By 2031, India aims to introduce 21 additional nuclear units with a total capacity of 7,000 MW, nearly doubling its current 6,780 MW.
Safety remains a critical focus. As a signatory to international nuclear safety conventions, India is committed to ensuring stringent safety protocols for both public and private entities. The atomic energy department has conducted dialogues with industry stakeholders, ensuring that no essential viewpoints are overlooked before proposals are submitted to the Prime Minister’s office.
This concentrated effort towards nuclear energy is more than a technological spectacle; it symbolises a resounding call for energy independence and sustainability. The Kakrapar Atomic Power Project stands as an iconic marker of India’s evolving energy panorama, synthesising traditional wisdom with avant-garde technology.
As the world observes, India is not merely keeping the lights on—it’s lighting the way for other nations to follow in a quest for a cleaner, greener future. If nuclear energy were ever likened to a dance, India has confidently taken its position on the dance floor, and the music is only just beginning.
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