Nuclear expansion gathers pace, Kalpakkam reactor targets 2027 completion: RTI

The Kalpakkam reactor is central to Homi Bhabha's three-stage nuclear programme. A fast breeder reactor is designed to produce more usable nuclear fuel than it consumes, paving the way for the longer-term utilisation of India's large thorium reserves.

In Short

• India’s 500 MW PFBR at Kalpakkam to complete by March 2027
• RAPP-8 in Rajasthan to be operational by 2026
• Kudankulam adds four 1,000 MW reactors between 2027 and 2030

India’s 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, is expected to be completed by March 2027, according to a reply from Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) in response to an RTI application.

The disclosure comes alongside details from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) on nuclear reactors under construction, projects nearing completion and new units planned across the country.

The reactor is central to Homi Bhabha’s three-stage nuclear programme. A fast breeder reactor is designed to produce more usable nuclear fuel than it consumes, paving the way for the longer-term utilisation of India’s large thorium reserves.

BHAVINI’s RTI reply confirms that it is commissioning the 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam.

“The project is expected to be completed by March 2027,” the reply states.

The reactor represents a key step in India’s three-stage nuclear programme. Its ability to breed additional usable nuclear fuel distinguishes it from conventional power reactors and supports the country’s longer-term plans to utilise thorium.

WHICH REACTORS ARE NEARING COMPLETION

NPCIL’s disclosures identify several projects under construction or commissioning, with expected completion dates extending through 2030.

Rawatbhata, Rajasthan: The 700 MW RAPP-8 Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor is in an advanced stage of commissioning and is expected to become operational in 2026. The approved cost of Rs 22,924 crore covers RAPP-7 and RAPP-8 jointly. RAPP-7 has already commenced commercial operation.

Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu: Four additional 1,000 MW Light Water Reactors are being implemented in cooperation with the Russia.

Units 3 and 4: Expected completion in June 2027 and June 2028, respectively, with an approved project cost of Rs 68,893 crore.

Units 5 and 6: Expected completion in June 2029 and March 2030, respectively, with an approved project cost of Rs 69,437 crore.

NEXT WAVE OF NUCLEAR PROJECTS

Beyond the reactors nearing completion, the NPCIL has listed new capacity under construction in Karnataka and Haryana.

Kaiga Units 5 and 6, Karnataka: Construction of the two 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors began with the First Pour of Concrete on March 1 this year, following the requisite statutory and regulatory clearances.

Gorakhpur Units 1 and 2, Haryana: The two 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors are under construction. Construction and commissioning are expected to be completed in about six years from the First Pour of Concrete.

An additional eight 700 MW units are listed under pre-project activities.

INDIA'S EXISTING NUCLEAR BACKBONE

NPCIL’s operational-reactor data shows nuclear power stations across seven sites in six states.

At Tarapur in Maharashtra, Units 1 and 2 have a capacity of 160 MW each, while Units 3 and 4 have a capacity of 540 MW each. Rawatbhata in Rajasthan has Unit 2 with 200 MW, Units 3 to 6 with 220 MW each, and Unit 7 with 700 MW.

At Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu, MAPS-1 and MAPS-2 have a capacity of 220 MW each, while Kudankulam’s Units 1 and 2 have a capacity of 1,000 MW each.

in Uttar Pradesh has two 220 MW units, while Kakrapar in Gujarat has two 220 MW units and two 700 MW units. Kaiga in Karnataka has four 220 MW units.

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