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POLICY AND ECONOMIC REPORT
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current 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32. This expansion includes the construction and
commissioning of ten reactors, totalling 8,000 MW, across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana,
Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, pre-project activities for ten more reactors have
commenced, with plans for progressive completion by 2031-32. Further, the government accorded in -
principle approval to set up 6 x 1208 MW nuclear power plant in cooperation with
the USA at Kovvada in Srikakulam district in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

A significant milestone was achieved on September 19, 2024, when the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project's
Unit-7 (RAPP-7), one of the country’s largest and third indigenous nuclear reactors, reached
criticality, marking the beginning of controlled fission chain reaction. This event signifies India's growing
capability in building and operating indigenous nuclear reactors, contributing to a future powered by
homegrown technology.

Safety remains a cornerstone of India's nuclear energy policy. India's nuclear power plants operate
with stringent safety protocols and international oversight. The radiation levels at Indian nuclear facilities
are consistently well below global benchmarks, underscoring the country's commitment to secure and
sustainable nuclear energy. These efforts align with India's broader strategy to provide clean and reliable
energy, contributing to long-term energy security and environmental sustainability.

Recent Developments in Nuclear Energy in India

• A significant discovery of new deposit in India's oldest Uranium Mine, the Jaduguda Mines, has
been made in and around the existing mine lease area. This will increase the life of an otherwise
depleting mine by more than fifty years.

• First two units of the indigenous 700 MWe PHWR at Kakrapar, Gujarat (KAPS - 3 & 4) have started
commercial operation in FY 2023-24.

• Closed fuel cycle being the cornerstone of Indian nuclear power program, the country's first
Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR 500 Mwe) achieved many of the milestones in 2024, viz.,
Primary Sodium filling in Main Vessel, purification of the filled sodium and commissioning of all
the four Sodium pumps (2 Primary Sodium Pumps & 2 Secondary Sodium Pumps). Core loading
was commenced with loading of first reactor control rod on 4th March 2024.

• NPCIL and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) have signed a supplementary Joint
Venture agreement to develop nuclear power facilities in the country. The JV named ASHVINI will
function within the existing legal framework of the Atomic Energy Act 1962 (amended in 2015)
and will build, own, and operate nuclear power plants, including the upcoming 4x700 MWe PHWR
Mahi-Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project.

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