India's Nuclear Power Programme Takes a Giant Leap Forward

NPCIL starts Initial Fuel Loading at RAPP-8 in Rajasthan today, marking a significant milestone in the commissioning journey of the 2×700 MWe facility. The indigenous 700 MWe PHWR is an important stage in the process, paving the way for controlled fission and power generation.

The Initial Fuel Loading at Unit-8 of Rajasthan Atomic Power Project 7&8 commenced at 15:18 hrs on September 19, 2026, in the presence of senior officials from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). The event marked a major milestone in the construction and commissioning journey of a nuclear power reactor.

The permission for Initial Fuel Loading was granted by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) after rigorous safety evaluations, major system integrity audits, and site readiness reviews. The AERB's approval was a significant step towards ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the reactor.

RAPP-7&8 comprises two indigenous 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), with Unit-8 being the fourth reactor in the series of sixteen indigenous 700 MWe PHWRs being set up in the country. The first two reactors in this series, KAPS-3 and KAPS-4 at Kakrapar, Gujarat, commenced commercial operation in 2023-24, followed by RAPP-7 in April 2025.

The indigenous reactors incorporate advanced safety features, which have been designed and developed by NPCIL and its constituent units. The commencement of Initial Fuel Loading at the fourth indigenous PHWR-700 MWe represents an important achievement for NPCIL and the DAE.

The milestone has been achieved with adherence to all applicable safety guidelines and AERB stipulations. The progress at RAPP-8 reflects the continued advancement of India's indigenous nuclear power programme and NPCIL's commitment to the safe, clean, reliable, and sustained generation of nuclear power-based electricity.

NPCIL operates 24 nuclear power reactors, totaling 8.78 GWe, and has 17 nuclear power reactors (totalling 13 GWe) under various stages of implementation. The corporation aims to contribute over 50% of the 100 GWe nuclear power capacity envisaged by the Government by 2047.

The Initial Fuel Loading at RAPP-8 is a significant step towards achieving this goal. The reactor is expected to commence commercial operation during the current financial year, marking a major milestone in the country's nuclear power programme.

The successful completion of Initial Fuel Loading at RAPP-8 is a testament to NPCIL's commitment to operational excellence and technological advancement. The corporation's focus on safe, clean, reliable, and sustainable nuclear power generation is reflected in its efforts to develop and deploy advanced reactor designs and safety features.

The progress at RAPP-8 is a significant achievement for the country's nuclear power programme, and it marks an important step towards achieving the country's energy security goals. The successful completion of Initial Fuel Loading at RAPP-8 is a major milestone in the journey towards a sustainable and reliable energy future.