List of current and upcoming nuclear plants of India

India is making substantial progress in enhancing its nuclear power capacity, signalling a strong commitment to sustainable energy amidst global decarbonisation efforts. Currently, nuclear power is the fifth-largest electricity source in the country, after coal, hydro, solar, and wind.

As of November 2024, India operates 24 nuclear reactors across eight plants, with a total installed capacity of 8,180 MW. In 2023, nuclear power contributed approximately 48 TWh, about 3% of the country’s total electricity generation. Additionally, 11 more reactors are under construction, promising a combined capacity of 8,700 MW.

India advances nuclear power capacity

India is not very rich in fossil fuel resources and considering the large and increasing demand for energy, all sources of energy are optimally implemented. Nuclear power is a clean and environmentally friendly source of electricity generation that is available 24/7.

There are currently 22 reactors with a total capacity of 6780 MW in operation and one reactor, KAPP-3 (700 MW) was connected to the grid on January 10, 2021. The current installed nuclear power capacity is 6780 MW and contributes about 3% of the total electricity generation in the country. Projects under construction and sanctioned are expected to be phased in by 2031. More nuclear power plants are also planned for the future.

In October 2010, India planned to reach 63 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2032. However, the 2011 Fukushima disaster sparked anti-nuclear protests, delaying progress. Protests emerged at various proposed nuclear power plant sites, including the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project in Maharashtra and the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu. A proposed project in Haripur, West Bengal, was denied permission by the state government. Legal challenges, including a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), have also been filed against the government’s civil nuclear program.

Despite these challenges, India has focused on innovative advancements, particularly in thorium-based fuels. The country is developing a prototype atomic reactor using thorium and low-enriched uranium, aligning with its three-stage nuclear power program.

India plans to build 18 more nuclear reactors by 2032, adding 13.8 GW to its energy grid, bringing total nuclear power capacity to 22.4 GW.

In February 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two new 700 MW reactors at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS 3 and 4) in Gujarat. These units, operational since late 2023, increased the facility’s capacity to 1.8 GW. Designed and built indigenously, the reactors incorporate advanced safety measures, showcasing India’s commitment to self-reliance under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.

India’s nuclear power growth is supported by international collaborations and domestic innovation. Four 1 GW reactors are being built with Russian assistance at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu. Four additional 700 MW reactors are under construction in Rawatbhata (Rajasthan) and Gorakhpur (Haryana). Ten more 700 MW reactors have been approved for Gorakhpur, Kaiga (Karnataka), Chutka (Madhya Pradesh), and Mahi Banswara (Rajasthan).

List of Nuclear reactors in India

At the same time, there are nine nuclear power reactors in various stages of construction, scheduled for completion in 2024-25.

Nuclear Power Plants in India—Under Construction

The nation will have nine nuclear reactors by 2024 and a new nuclear project, the first in northern India, will emerge 150 kilometers from Delhi in Haryana's Gorakhpur.

What is the cost of a 100 MW nuclear plant?

A large 1-gigawatt reactor would cost around $5.4 billion to build, excluding financing costs. By contrast, a new wind farm costs just $1,980 per kilowatt.

Is nuclear energy completely environment friendly?

Yes, Nuclear energy is a zero-emission source. It generates power through fission, which is the process of splitting uranium atoms to produce energy. The heat released by fission is used to create steam that spins a turbine to generate electricity without the harmful byproducts emitted by fossil fuels.

 Nuclear electricity generation

Fiscal Year	Nuclear electricity generation (GWh)	Capacity factor
2008–09	14,921	50%
2009–10	18,798	61%
2010–11	26,472	71%
2011–12	32,455	79%
2012–13	32,863	80%
2013–14	35,333	83%
2014–15	37,835	82%
2015–16	37,456	75%
2016–17	37,674	80%
2017–18	38,336	70%
2018–19	37,813	70%
2019–20	46,472	82%
2020–21	43,029	81%
2021–22	47,112	88%
2022–23	45,855	87%
2023–24	47,971	85%

India’s nuclear energy expansion aligns with its vision for a sustainable and self-reliant energy future. By leveraging domestic expertise and fostering international collaboration, the nation is positioning itself as a global leader in nuclear technology while striving to achieve its decarbonisation goals.

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