As many of you are already suspecting that yes, nuclear power is going to be a big thing in the future, not just as weapons, but for the betterment of humanity, like fulfilling our energy needs. Thankfully, India is on that path too along with some other nations, and right now, we have around 22 operational nuclear reactors. Here, especially though, we will be taking a good look at the top nuclear power plants in the country. That’s because this list is all about the top 10 nuclear power plants in India as of 2024. Alright, here we go.
1. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, Tamil Nadu
Did you know that the Kudankulam Power Station is not only the largest of its kind in India but also a perfect example of a kinda great and healthy cooperation between India and Russia? Yes, that is, in fact, true, and just so you know, the facility is situated in Tamil Nadu and has a total capacity of 2000 MW, which is produced using two advanced VVER-1000 reactors. Since there are cutting-edge safety components and the latest technology is in place, that’s why it is kinda considered the safest and most secure nuclear power plant in the country, did you know that?
2. Tarapur Atomic Power Station, Maharashtra
Next on the list, as the first-ever nuclear power plant in India, the Tarapur Atomic Power Station is kinda the one plant that made it possible to build others in the nation since 1969. This one though, situated in Maharashtra, the plant is capable of generating 1400 MW through a combination of Boiling Water Reactors (BWR) and Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR). This sure was the start for India to become a nation that relies on nuclear energy, and be self-sufficient down the line.
3. Rajasthan Atomic Power Station, Rajasthan
Here is a surprising fact, you see, Rajasthan Atomic Power Station situated right there in Rawatbhata came online in 1973 with just one unit and has since grown to six reactors that can generate a total of 1180 MW, which sounds kinda intriguing, doesn’t it? The fact remains that this power plant is one of the best examples of the success of indigenous nuclear technology in India.
4. Kaiga Atomic Power Station, Karnataka
This next one though, situated somewhere in beautiful Karnataka forests is the Kaiga Atomic Power Station, not just a power plant but also a world record holder for something special. What’s that? Well, just so you know, back in 2018, Unit 1 of the plant maintained an unbroken operational period of 962 days, setting a world record, can you even imagine that? As per how much energy it generates, well, this facility comprises four PHWRs generating a total of 880 MW, thus proving that the integration of sustainable energy with environmental preservation is possible.
5. Kakrapar Atomic Power Station, Gujarat
Next on the list, you see, recently, Kakrapar Atomic Power Station also reported having a newly installed 700 MW reactor that is officially the first step for India towards self-sufficiency in the field of nuclear technology, right? Just so you know, this plant, which is located in Gujarat, now has a total capacity of 1,140 MW and is known for its enhanced safety protocols.
6. Madras Atomic Power Station, Tamil Nadu
Just so you know, Madras Atomic Power Station, or Kalpakkam, is where India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) , the next-generation technology that uses more fuel than it generates, is installed. If we get a bit technical here, well, this plant, in operation since 1984 has been built with two PHWRs amounting to a total of 440 MW. If sustainable energy is what we are talking about, then we need more plants like this one.
7. Narora Atomic Power Station, Uttar Pradesh
Next on the list, did you know the Narora Atomic Power Station was also honored with the Golden Peacock for its environmental management? Just so you know though, positioned in Uttar Pradesh, this facility has been running since 1991 and has two PHWRs with a total of 440 MW of power. Sure enough, it’s not just about safety for them, they are also maintaining a clean environment in the processes and thus they give uninterrupted electric supply while being transparent globally in their nuclear management practices.
8. Kudankulam Unit 3 and 4 Expansion, Tamil Nadu
Then, the Kudankulam story has not finished yet since the existing reactors are already in place. Like, Units 3 and 4, which are under construction at the moment, will quickly increase the energy grid in Tamil Nadu by 2,000 MW. Without a single doubt, we can say one thing is that the units of the already existing reactors like their predecessors, employ advanced VVER-1000 technology thereby providing efficiency and safety. This expansion is one of the important steps in India’s journey to increase nuclear power capacity and meet the energy demands.
9. Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana, Haryana
Next on the list, one of the most daring nuclear programs in India, Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana shall be able to provide up to the end the part of the project that can generate 2,800 MW, can you even imagine that? Like, it will be based in Fatehabad Dist., Haryana, this facility will have four PHWRs with a 700 MW capacity for each one. Though it isn’t completed yet, it is undeniable that the role of this plant in lessening the dependency on fossil fuels for energy in Northern India and the amount of clean fossil-fuel energy is something we should discuss as Indians.
10. Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant, Maharashtra
Last on the list, can you visualize nuclear power plants that are so huge that they become the world’s most significant upon their completion? Well, that is kinda the goal of the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant, Maharashtra which is set with a plan of 9,900 MW with six European Pressurized Reactors (EPR). Sure enough, this project was developed in collaboration with France which is regarded as the backbone of India’s energy future and is likely to fulfill a significant part of the country’s energy requirement down the line.
Conclusion
There you have it. These are by far the biggest and top nuclear power plants in India right now. Eight of these power plants are already operational, but as you saw, there are two that are under construction right now, and they surely have a good impact on India’s energy needs.