Modi Showcases India’s First 700 MWe Nuclear Steam Generator at L&T Hazira

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to L&T’s Hazira complex showcased India’s indigenous 700 MWe nuclear steam generator, a milestone in self-reliant energy manufacturing. This achievement, supported by NPCIL and complemented by BHEL’s contributions, strengthens India’s nuclear expansion under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.

A nuclear steam generator is basically a giant kettle inside a nuclear power plant — it takes heat from the reactor and turns water into steam that spins turbines to make electricity. It’s one of the most critical parts of the system, but the principle is simple enough for everyday understanding.

Key Highlights of the Visit

• Event: PM Modi visited L&T’s A. M. Naik Heavy Engineering Complex, Hazira (Gujarat) on 5 June 2026.
• Showcased Equipment: A 700 MWe nuclear steam generator manufactured indigenously by L&T for NPCIL.
• Significance: Reinforces India’s ability to design and produce critical nuclear components domestically, reducing reliance on imports.

What is a 700 MWe Steam Generator?

• A steam generator is a giant heat exchanger inside nuclear reactors.
• It transfers heat from the reactor core coolant to water, producing high-pressure steam that drives turbines to generate electricity.
• These generators are designed for India’s 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).

Role of L&T

• L&T has dispatched seven 700 MWe steam generators ahead of schedule for NPCIL projects.
• Manufactured at Hazira and Vadodara facilities, adhering to stringent safety standards.
• Supports India’s fast-track nuclear programme and PM Modi’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Role of BHEL

• BHEL has been a partner in India’s nuclear programme since 1976.
• Recently secured a ₹1,405 crore order to supply 12 steam generators for NPCIL’s 700 MWe PHWR fleet mode programme.
• BHEL’s Trichy plant has already dispatched its 42nd nuclear steam generator for NPCIL’s Rajasthan Atomic Power Project.
• BHEL remains the only Indian company associated with all three stages of India’s nuclear programme.

National Nuclear Expansion

• NPCIL operates 24 reactors (8,780 MW), with 13,100 MW under implementation.
• Indigenous 700 MWe PHWRs are central to India’s target of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047.
• Each 700 MWe reactor generates ~5.2 billion units annually, avoiding 4.5 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

Comparative Snapshot: L&T vs BHEL in Nuclear Steam Generators

Company	Contribution	Recent Milestone	Facilities
L&T	Manufactures 700 MWe steam generators for NPCIL	7 units dispatched ahead of schedule	Hazira & Vadodara
BHEL	Supplies steam generators, turbine sets, reactor headers	42nd steam generator dispatched (Rajasthan Atomic Project)	Trichy plant

Strategic Importance

• Strengthens energy security by reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
• Creates skilled jobs and builds advanced engineering expertise.
• Supports India’s clean energy transition and net-zero 2070 goals.