PARLIAMENT QUESTION: EXPANSION OF NUCLEAR POWER CAPACITY

**Executive Summary** The document addresses a parliamentary question regarding the expansion of nuclear power capacity in India, as of February 5th, 2026. It outlines the current installed capacity and the status of ongoing and planned nuclear power projects, with a focus on reactors under construction and pre-project activities, targeting completion by 2031-32. The document also mentions the importance of environmental clearance and ongoing safety reviews. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Current Installed Capacity:** * India's current installed nuclear power capacity is 8,780 MW, comprising 24 nuclear power plants (excluding RAPS-1 - 100 MW). * **Projects Under Implementation:** * 17 nuclear power reactors with a total capacity of 13,100 MW are under implementation. * This includes 7 reactors under construction and 10 reactors under pre-project activities. * These projects are expected to be completed progressively by 2031-32. * **BHAVINI Project:** * BHAVINI is currently commissioning a 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) project at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. * Government has approved pre-project activities for 2 x 500 MWe twin unit of FBR 1&2 project at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. * Financial sanction will be approached for FBR 1&2 projects after first criticality of PFBR is attained. * **Safety and Performance:** * Review of safety and performance of reactors and implementation of necessary upgrades measures to enhance their safety and performance to the state of the art is an ongoing exercise. * Major Renovation & Modernisation / Refurbishment work is in progress for 04 of the 24 operating reactors. * **Projects Under Construction/Commissioning:** * RAPP-8 (Rawatbhata, Rajasthan): 1 x 700 MW, 98.60% physical progress. * KKNPP-3&4 (Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu): 2 x 1000 MW, 80.51% physical progress. * KKNPP-5&6 (Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu): 2 x 1000 MW, 41.56% physical progress. * GHAVP-1&2 (Gorakhpur, Haryana): 2 x 700 MW, civil works in progress. * **Projects under pre-project Activities:** * Kaiga-5&6 (Kaiga, Karnataka): 2 x 700 MW, under pre-project activities at various stages. * GHAVP-3&4 (Gorakhpur, Haryana): 2 x 700 MW, under pre-project activities at various stages. * Chutka-1&2 (Chutka, Madhya Pradesh): 2 x 700 MW, under pre-project activities at various stages. * Mahi Banswara-1&2 (Mahi Banswara, Rajasthan): 2 x 700 MW, under pre-project activities at various stages. * Mahi Banswara-3&4 (Mahi Banswara, Rajasthan): 2 x 700 MW, under pre-project activities at various stages. * **Implementation by ASHVINI:** * Mahi Banswara-1&2 and Mahi Banswara-3&4 being implemented by ASHVINI, a Joint Venture of NPCIL and NTPC. * **Environmental Clearance:** * Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study in line with Terms of Reference (TOR) approved by the MoEF&CC is carried out. * Project construction commences only after obtaining Environmental Clearance from MoEF&CC. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder: Department of Atomic Energy** * **Impact:** Responsible for the expansion of nuclear power capacity and ensuring safety and performance. * **Action Required:** Continue implementing and overseeing nuclear power projects, conducting safety reviews, and securing financial sanctions for upcoming projects. **Stakeholder: Government of India** * **Impact:** Accountable for policy, financial sanctions and regulatory approvals related to nuclear power projects. * **Action Required:** Grant financial sanctions for FBR 1&2 projects after first criticality of PFBR. Ensure compliance with environmental regulations through MoEF&CC. **Stakeholder: BHAVINI** * **Impact:** Directly involved in the commissioning of the PFBR project. * **Action Required:** Continue commissioning of the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) project at Kalpakkam. **Stakeholder: NPCIL and NTPC (via ASHVINI Joint Venture)** * **Impact:** Responsible for implementing Mahi Banswara-1&2 and Mahi Banswara-3&4 projects. * **Action Required:** Progress the Mahi Banswara projects under the ASHVINI joint venture. **Stakeholder: MoEF&CC** * **Impact:** Responsible for ensuring Environmental Clearance for the project. * **Action Required:** Review the EIA study and the prescribed process to provide Environmental Clearance for the project.

Key Entities Referenced