India Gets Approval for Two Indigenous 700 MWe PHWRs

INDIA GETS NOD FOR TWO INDIGENOUS 700 MWe PHWRs

Why in the News?

  • AERB approval: The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) granted operational licences for Kakrapar Units 3 and 4 to NPCIL.
  • Indigenous success: These are 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), developed indigenously.
  • Operational milestone: KAPS-3 got full power nod in August 2023, and KAPS-4 in August 2024.

India Gets Approval for Two Indigenous 700 MWe PHWRs

Key Features and Significance

  • Rigorous safety: The licensing followed multi-tiered safety reviews over 15 years, from siting to commissioning.
  • Engineering milestone: First time India has indigenously designed and built 700 MWe PHWRs.
  • Boost to nuclear sector: Enhances India’s energy independence and strengthens NPCIL’s fleet-mode expansion.

India’s Nuclear Expansion Strategy

  • Fleet mode push: NPCIL is developing 10 more 700 MWe PHWRs to meet growing energy demands.
  • Current capacity: India operates 15 PHWRs of 220 MWe, two of 540 MWe, and one 700 MWe at Rawatbhata.
  • Strategic autonomy: Indigenous technology reduces dependence on foreign reactor designs.

PRESSURISED HEAVY WATER REACTORS (PHWRs)

●     Working principle: PHWRs use natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as both moderator and coolant.

●     Advantages: High neutron economy, refueling during operation, and cost-effective fuel cycle.

●     India’s expertise: India is a global leader in PHWR technology, starting from the 220 MWe class.

●     Strategic relevance: PHWRs support both civil nuclear goals and energy security.

●     Global recognition: India’s PHWR program is a model for indigenous nuclear self-reliance.