India’s 700 MW Nuclear Reactor Reaches Full Capacity at Kakrapar

India's second home-built 700 MW nuclear power reactor at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station in Gujarat has begun operating at its full capacity. This marks a significant step in India's nuclear power capabilities. The country is building more reactors of the same design, expected to commence operations by 2031-32.

India's second home-built 700 MW nuclear power reactor at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat has commenced full-capacity operations, according to the plant operator.

The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) announced that Unit 4 at KAPS, which had been running at 90 percent capacity, is now operating at its full potential of 700 MWe.

The NPCIL further stated that this milestone, following the successful operation of its twin unit KAPS-3, demonstrates the robustness of the indigenous 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) design. KAPS-4 achieved its first criticality on December 17 last year and began commercial operations on March 31.

The power level for KAPS-4 has been increased in accordance with permissions from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). India plans to build 14 more reactors of this design, with operations expected to progressively commence by 2031-32.

(With inputs from agencies.)