The fourth unit of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd’s (NPCIL) Kakrapara plant, which was supposed to start commercial generation this year, has yet to be completed and is running more than a year behind schedule, according to a government memo.
“The Unit #4 is under construction and would reach completion by March, 2024,” a power ministry memo dated May 10 seen by Reuters on Tuesday quoted Bhuwan Chandra Pathak, chairman of state-run NPCIL, as saying.
The 700 MW unit in western Gujarat state had been scheduled to start commercial operation this fiscal year ending March 2023, according to a 2022 power ministry report.
The Kakrapara setback is negative for India’s efforts to keep carbon dioxide emissions in check, as solar power cannot address rising night-time electricity demand due to higher air-conditioning use.
Coal-fired power plants have cranked up output to the highest levels in years, resulting in more emissions, to address higher night-time demand and due to a slowdown in the addition of new round-the-clock power sources including nuclear
Nuclear power contributes barely 3per cent of India’s electricity capacity and the sector has been hobbled by lack of foreign investment and opposition from critics over safety issues.
“NPCIL was advised to expeditiously complete the commissioning while keeping into account all the safety considerations,” the power ministry said in the memo.
According to data from the Power Ministry, India’s installed capacity of nuclear power plants has been stagnant for at least five years.
In the last five years, coal-fired capacity has increased by 4% and hydro by 5%, while renewable energy additions have more than doubled due to a push for cleaner air.