Kakrapar Atomic Power Station

Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) is among India's most strategically significant nuclear facilities — particularly because Units 3 + 4 (commissioned 2020 + 2024) are the world's first 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) — entirely indigenous Indian designs that mark India's transition from PHWR-540 to a higher-capacity standardised design.

The original Units 1 + 2 (commissioned 1993 + 1995) use the older 220 MW PHWR design — India's first commercial PHWR series. Units 3 + 4 use the indigenous 700 MW PHWR design developed by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) over 10+ years. The design includes passive safety systems + advanced containment + 60-year operational life — features that match latest international PHWR designs.

KAPS-3 + 4 commissioning was significant for India's nuclear self-sufficiency programme: the 700 MW design will be the standard reactor for India's next-generation nuclear fleet. India's Atomic Energy Commission has sanctioned 10+ additional 700 MW PHWR units across multiple sites — at Gorakhpur (Haryana), Mahi Banswara (Rajasthan), Chutka (Madhya Pradesh), and Kaiga (Karnataka). This standardisation strategy enables economies of scale in fuel supply + maintenance + training.

KAPS total installed capacity (all 4 units): 1,840 MW. NPCIL is the operator + India's Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) provides oversight.