There are 21 nuclear power plants which are operational in the country with a total capacity of 5780 MW. In addition, the second unit of Kudankulam KKNPP-2 (1000 MW) is connected to the southern grid and is presently generating infirm power. The unit is expected to start commercial operation by end of this year. There are four nuclear power reactors under construction, each of 700 MW, which are progressively expected to be completed by 2019.
The Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), a public sector company under Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is constructing one 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. PFBR is under advanced stage of commissioning.
At present nuclear power reactors in operation are being operated close to their rated capacity.
The share of nuclear power in the total electricity generation in the country was about 3.4% in the year 2015-16.
This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
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KSD/NK