Russia and India are advancing their collaboration in nuclear energy. Recent discussions between Rosatom and India’s Department of Atomic Energy focused on developing new nuclear projects and enhancing the nuclear fuel cycle cooperation.
New Nuclear Energy Initiatives
Officials from both nations are working on the technical specifications for a new nuclear power plant in India. This facility will feature Russian-designed VVER-1200 reactor units. Additionally, the potential construction of small nuclear power plants, including floating power units, was also explored during the talks.
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Update
The progress at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, located approximately 100 kilometers from Tuticorin in southern India, was a significant topic of discussion. This site currently operates two Russian VVER 1000 reactors, which have been online since 2014 and 2017. Presently, Unit 3 is undergoing pre-startup operations, focusing on testing safety systems. Concurrently, construction of Unit 4 is ongoing, along with plans for the third phase, which includes Units 5 and 6.
- Unit 1: Operational since 2014
- Unit 2: Operational since 2017
- Unit 3: Pre-startup operations
- Unit 4: Under construction
Plans for an additional two units, Kudankulam 7 and 8, equipped with VVER-1200 reactors, are in discussions for the fourth phase of the plant.
Expanding Nuclear Cooperation
The meeting in Mumbai, led by Rosatom Director General Alexei Likhachev and Ajit Kumar Mohanty of India’s Department of Atomic Energy, emphasized expanding the ongoing partnership. The talks highlighted the need for localizing equipment manufacturing and benefiting from the experience gained through previous projects.
Likhachev noted that the Kudankulam project has established strong foundations for future initiatives and a reliable supply chain, vital for developing both large and small-scale nuclear power plants.
India’s Nuclear Energy Capacity Goals
As per the World Nuclear Association, India currently operates 24 nuclear reactors with a total capacity of 7,943 MW. An additional six reactors, amounting to 4,768 MW, are currently under construction.
- Existing reactors: 24 reactors, 7,943 MW
- Under construction: 6 reactors, 4,768 MW
- Pre-project units: 10 units, approximately 7 GW capacity
India aims to expand its nuclear energy capacity to 100 GW by 2047. This ambitious goal will be achieved through a combination of deploying large-capacity reactors and developing small modular reactors (SMRs).
Minister of State Jitendra Singh has discussed three SMR designs by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, which include:
- 200 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200)
- 55 MWe small modular reactor
- 5 MWt high-temperature gas-cooled reactor for hydrogen production
These developments underscore India’s commitment to increasing its nuclear energy footprint, providing clean energy solutions, and enhancing efficiency in energy production.
