India — Nuclear Fleet Overview

Operating Reactors (database): 4 tracked in platform Total Tracked Capacity: 1400 MWe Under Construction (database): 4 Planned: 2 Regulatory Body: AERB (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board)

Fleet Summary

India's nuclear power program began in the 1960s, focusing on energy security and indigenous technology development, particularly through Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). As of 2023, India operates 22 nuclear power reactors with a total net capacity of approximately 6.8 GWe, contributing about 3% of the country's electricity, alongside several research reactors. The fleet includes a mix of PHWRs and imported designs like the Russian VVERs at Kudankulam. With 8 reactors under construction (totaling ~6.7 GWe) and more planned, India aims to significantly expand its nuclear capacity to meet growing energy demands.

Policy & Outlook

India's nuclear policy emphasizes self-reliance through a three-stage nuclear program involving PHWRs, fast breeder reactors, and thorium-based systems, leveraging its vast thorium reserves. The 2005 India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement marked a turning point, enabling international cooperation and fuel supply agreements while maintaining a separation between civilian and strategic programs. The government targets 22.5 GWe of nuclear capacity by 2031, supported by legislation like the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and amendments facilitating private sector involvement. There is growing interest in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for remote regions, though concrete plans remain in early stages.

Key Sites

• Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (Gujarat): Hosts four PHWR units, with Units 3 and 4 (700 MWe each) recently becoming operational in 2023, showcasing India's indigenous reactor technology.
• Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (Tamil Nadu): Features Russian-designed VVER reactors, with Units 1 and 2 (1,000 MWe each) operational, and Units 3-6 under construction or planned, marking a key site for international collaboration.
• Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC, Mumbai): A critical hub for nuclear research, operating reactors like Dhruva (100 MWth) and Apsara-U for isotope production and material testing, supporting India's broader nuclear ambitions.

Historical Context

India's nuclear journey began with the commissioning of the Apsara research reactor in 1956, the first in Asia, under the leadership of Dr. Homi Bhabha. The first power reactor, Tarapur Unit 1 (a BWR), started commercial operation in 1969, marking the onset of nuclear electricity generation. A significant milestone was the development of indigenous PHWR technology in the 1980s, reducing reliance on foreign designs. While India has maintained a strong safety record, the 1987 Kalpakkam fuel reprocessing plant incident highlighted early challenges in radiation management, though no major public impact was reported.

Operating Reactors (Platform Database)

Reactor	Site	Type	Capacity (MWe)	Operator	Commercial Operation
Kakrapar Unit 3	—	PHWR	700	—	—
Kakrapar Unit 4	—	PHWR	700	—	—
Dhruva	—	Heavy water	—	Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)	—
Apsara-U	—	Pool	—	Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)	—

Under Construction (Platform Database)

Reactor	Site	Type	Capacity (MWe)	Expected Operation
Gorakhpur Unit 1	—	PHWR	700	TBD
Gorakhpur Unit 2	—	PHWR	700	TBD
Kudankulam Unit 3	—	VVER-1000	1000	TBD
Kudankulam Unit 4	—	VVER-1000	1000	TBD

Sources

• IAEA PRIS — India — IAEA Power Reactor Information System
• WNA Country Profile — World Nuclear Association
• AERB (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board) — National nuclear regulator

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Enriched by Grok · Second Atomic Age Nuclear Wiki · 2026-05-10