India’s KAPS-4 Nuclear Plant Achieves Full Capacity

The Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat, India, has reached full operational capacity with its second 700 MW nuclear reactor, KAPS-4, which started operating at full power on August 21, 2024. This achievement follows the reactor’s commercial operation start on March 31, 2024, and its first criticality on December 17, 2023. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) confirmed that Unit 4 at KAPS was previously operating at 90% capacity before reaching its full 700 MW output.

Reactor Details

The KAPS-4 unit, an indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR), reflects the success of India’s domestic nuclear technology. The full power operation of KAPS-4, alongside its twin unit KAPS-3, underscores the effectiveness of the PHWR design.

Future Prospects

NPCIL is advancing its nuclear energy capabilities with 14 additional reactors of the same design planned for completion by 2031-2032. Presently, NPCIL operates 24 reactors totaling 8,180 MW, with eight more reactors under construction and ten additional reactors in pre-project phases. These developments are expected to elevate India’s nuclear power capacity to 22,480 MW by 2031-2032.