India Pushes Nuclear Expansion with New Reactors, SHANTI Act Reforms: Govt
BHAVINI is commissioning a 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
New Delhi: India is advancing a twin-track strategy to scale up nuclear energy capacity—accelerating reactor construction while opening the sector to wider research and innovation under the SHANTI Act, the government told the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
The information was provided by Jitendra Singh in separate written replies to the Rajya Sabha.
The country’s installed nuclear power capacity currently stands at 8,780 MW, comprising 24 operational reactors, excluding the 100 MW Rajasthan Atomic Power Station-1 unit. In addition, 17 nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of 13,100 MW are under implementation, including seven under construction and 10 at the pre-project stage, with phased completion planned by 2031–32, according to official data.
Among projects under construction or commissioning, RAPP-8 at Rawatbhata, Rajasthan (700 MW) has achieved 98.6 percent physical progress, while Kudankulam units 3 and 4 (2×1000 MW) have crossed 80 percent completion. Units 5 and 6 at Kudankulam have reached 41.56 percent progress, and civil works are underway for Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana units 1 and 2 (2×700 MW).
At the pre-project stage, new nuclear power units are planned at Kaiga in Karnataka, Gorakhpur in Haryana, Chutka in Madhya Pradesh, and Mahi Banswara in Rajasthan, each with a proposed capacity of 2×700 MW. The Mahi Banswara projects are being implemented by ASHVINI, a joint venture of NPCIL and NTPC.
In parallel with capacity expansion, the government said the SHANTI Act provides a regulatory framework to encourage innovation in nuclear energy. Under the Act, any person is permitted to undertake research, development, design and innovation in nuclear energy and radiation for peaceful uses without obtaining a licence, a provision aimed at promoting the development and deployment of new reactor technologies in the country.
The government said due consideration is being given to risk-sharing mechanisms and financial instruments to address the high upfront costs and long-term liabilities associated with nuclear power projects. These measures are being examined in consultation with all stakeholders and are being aligned fully with the provisions of the SHANTI Act.
Separately, the government said BHAVINI is commissioning a 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. Pre-project activities have also been approved for Fast Breeder Reactors 1 and 2 (2×500 MW) at the same site, with financial sanction to be sought after the first criticality of the prototype reactor.
All nuclear power projects, the government reiterated, are taken up only after completing comprehensive environment impact assessments and obtaining statutory environmental clearances.
