NPCIL Achieves Major Milestone: 1000 Fuel Channel Refuelling Completed at KAPS-4 700 MWe Reactor

New Delhi: NPCIL proudly announces a significant operational milestone with the successful completion of 1000 fuel channel refuelling at KAPS-4 (700 MWe) on 15 February 2026. KAPS-4 is the second indigenously developed 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR), representing the technological maturity of India’s advanced nuclear power programme.

Refuelling operations in a PHWR are among the most sophisticated and technology-intensive activities in nuclear power generation. The Fuel Handling System (FHS) comprises highly automated, precision-engineered equipment, advanced instrumentation, and multiple First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) systems working in seamless coordination. Completing refuelling of 1000 fuel channels within approximately 18 months of operation reflects robust commissioning, system stabilization, and the exceptional capability of Team NPCIL.

Further strengthening this achievement, KAPS-3, the first indigenous 700 MWe reactor, has also successfully completed 2000 fuel channel refuelling earlier this year. These milestones collectively demonstrate the reliability, operational excellence, and scalability of India’s indigenous 700 MWe reactor design.