PARLIAMENT QUESTION: GENERATION OF NUCLEAR POWER

Executive Summary This report details the operational status and generation performance of India’s nuclear power reactors as of July 2024. It highlights that 24 reactors are currently in commercial operation with a total capacity of 8,780 MW. Data provided for the period 2019-20 to 2023-24 indicates that nuclear plant performance generally exceeds that of thermal power plants in terms of Plant Load Factor (PLF).

Key Points / Main Content

• Operational Capacity and Scale
  • The country currently operates 24 nuclear power reactors.
  • The total combined commercial capacity of these units is 8,780 MW.
• Comparative Performance
  • From 2019-20 to 2023-24, the average PLF of nuclear units (excluding refurbishment periods) was higher than the average all-India Thermal PLF (excluding gas-based plants).
  • KAPS-4 is noted as a recent addition, having commenced commercial operations in March 2024.
• Regional Generation Highlights (2023-24)
  • Maharashtra (TAPS): TAPS 3&4 generated 8,112 Million Units (MUs) with a 1,080 MW capacity.
  • Rajasthan (RAPS): Multiple units are active, though RAPS-3 is currently in "project mode" and RAPP-7&8 are under construction.
  • Uttar Pradesh (NAPS): Units 1&2 produced 2,875 MUs from a 440 MW capacity.
  • Gujarat (KAPS): Total generation reached 7,610 MUs, significantly boosted by the commencement of KAPS-3 and KAPS-4.
  • Karnataka (KGS): Units 1-4 maintained steady output, totaling 7,502 MUs.
  • Tamil Nadu (MAPS & KKNPP): KKNPP 1&2 provided the highest station output at 13,219 MUs from a 2,000 MW capacity.
• Unit Status Designations
  • Units are specifically categorized as being in commercial operation, "under project mode," or "under construction" (e.g., RAPP-7&8).

Impact Analysis

Department of Atomic Energy / Government Impact Responsible for the management of the 8,780 MW nuclear fleet and the progression of units currently under construction or in project mode. Action Required Must continue to monitor the high PLF performance and oversee the transition of RAPP-7&8 and other project-mode units into full commercial operation.

Rajya Sabha / Parliament Impact Recipients of formal data regarding the efficiency and output of the national nuclear program compared to thermal power. Action Required Use the provided statistical annexure for legislative oversight and future energy policy deliberation.

National Energy Sector / Grid Operators Impact Affected by the reliable, high-PLF base-load power provided by nuclear stations across six states. Action Required Incorporate the specific generation trends of these 24 reactors into regional power distribution and load-balancing schedules.