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Home / IAS Preparation / Nuclear Power Plants in India

Nuclear Power Plants in India: First, Largest & Oldest Nuclear Power Plants for UPSC

Last Updated on Apr 10, 2025
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Nuclear power plants in India are an essential component of the power generation of the country. The power plants generate electricity by splitting atoms using the method of nuclear fission. There are many nuclear power plants situated in different states of India. They help save the consumption of fossil fuels, which are eco-unfriendly.

By tapping nuclear power, India aims to fulfill its increasing demand for electricity in a greener and more efficient manner. India has, over time, enhanced its nuclear technology and possesses various plants feeding the national grid.

This subject is relevant to UPSC aspirants, particularly General Studies Paper III (Technology, Economic Development, Environment). Nuclear power is also relevant to Prelims because it touches upon the subjects of energy security, international relations, and environmental policies. This subject provides a comprehensive insight into how nuclear energy impacts India's development and its sustainability goals.

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GS Paper

General Studies Paper III

Topics for UPSC Prelims

Nuclear Reactors, Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

Topics for UPSC Mains

Energy Policy of India, India’s Nuclear Energy Diplomacy

Nuclear Power Plants in India

India has been exploiting nuclear power for many decades. The nation's first nuclear power plant was established in Tarapur, Maharashtra, in 1969. Nuclear power is a significant source of power in India today. It generates clean and consistent electricity, which enables the nation to move away from coal and other unsafe forms of energy. The purpose of these plants is to supply India's increasing demand for electricity while at the same time curbing pollution and preserving the environment.

Nuclear Power Plant in India Map

The nuclear power plant map of India indicates where the plants are situated. Most of them are along coastal regions such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. The reason for this is that these regions have access to seawater, which is used to cool the reactors.

Read the article on the Energy Crisis in India!

First Nuclear Power Plant in India

India's first nuclear power plant was the Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS), situated at Maharashtra. Tarapur started producing power in 1969 with foreign technology, predominantly from America. The original plant had two reactors, to which two were added later on. The station makes use of the water of the Arabian Sea to cool. Tarapur marked the start of India's venture into nuclear power.

Largest Nuclear Power Plant in India

The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant situated in Tamil Nadu is currently the largest nuclear power plant in India. It has a total capacity of 6,000 MW when all its reactors are running. This plant is built with Russian technology, and it has several reactors. Kudankulam is essential for meeting the growing power needs of southern India and helps reduce the region's dependence on coal and other non-renewable energy sources.

Read the article on the Idea of a Fossil Fuel Non-proliferation Treaty (FF-NPT)!

List of Nuclear Power Plants in India

India has several nuclear power plants, each contributing to the country's power grid. Here’s a list of some key nuclear plants and their capacities:

List of Nuclear Power Plants in India

Nuclear Power Plant

State

Capacity (MW)

Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS)

Maharashtra

1400

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant

Tamil Nadu

2000

Kaiga Atomic Power Station

Karnataka

880

Kakrapar Atomic Power Station

Gujarat

700

Narora Atomic Power Station

Uttar Pradesh

440

Rajasthan Atomic Power Station

Rajasthan

1180

Madras Atomic Power Station

Tamil Nadu

440

Kalpakkam PFBR (Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor)

Tamil Nadu

500

Kovvada Nuclear Power Plant (Proposed)

Andhra Pradesh

6000 (Phase I)

The plants listed above show the variety of capacities and locations across the country. Many plants have more than one reactor, and some are still expanding.

Read the article on Nuclear Energy!

Private Nuclear Power Plants in India

At present, the government owns and operates all nuclear power stations in India. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) manage nuclear power generation. Though there have been proposals for letting private enterprises develop and operate nuclear power stations someday, as yet, no private enterprises own any nuclear stations in India.

Read the article on the Global Nuclear Disarmament!

Nuclear Energy in India

Nuclear power is a crucial component of India's energy mix. India is making every effort to cut down on its use of coal, which pollutes the air and contributes to global warming. Nuclear power generates less pollution than coal and oil and is a significant source of clean energy. Currently, nuclear power generates around 3-4% of India's entire electricity generation. Nonetheless, India aims to raise this proportion to 10% by 2032 as part of its objective to satisfy rising energy needs and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Nuclear Reactors in India

India has made great progress in building nuclear reactors. The Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) is the most commonly used reactor design in India. India has also developed its own Fast Breeder Reactors, which can generate more nuclear fuel than they consume. This makes India one of the few countries to successfully develop this technology. In total, India has 22 operational nuclear reactors, and more are being planned to meet the future energy needs.

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Key Takeaways on Nuclear Power Plants in India for UPSC Aspirants

  • Nuclear Power Plants in India play a crucial role in meeting the country's growing electricity demand while reducing dependence on fossil fuels, thus promoting environmental sustainability.
  • Nuclear energy accounts for about 3-4% of India's total electricity generation, with plans to increase this share to 10% by 2032.
  • First Nuclear Power Plant: India’s first nuclear power plant, Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS), was established in 1969 in Maharashtra.
  • Largest Nuclear Power Plant: The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu is the largest in India, with a capacity of 6,000 MW.

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Nuclear Power Plants in India UPSC FAQs

The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu is the biggest nuclear power plant in India with a total capacity of 6,000 MW.

The Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) in Maharashtra, which started in 1969, is the oldest nuclear power plant in India.

India has 22 operational nuclear reactors across several plants.

Some of the important nuclear power plants include Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS), Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, Kakrapar Atomic Power Station, and Rajasthan Atomic Power Station.

The Tarapur Nuclear Power Plant is located in Maharashtra.

The Kakrapar Atomic Power Station is situated in Gujarat.

There is one nuclear power plant in Madhya Pradesh, which is the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station.
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