Steam generators are essential heat exchangers in nuclear plants, turning water into steam using heat from the reactor core. In PHWRs, high-pressure coolant flows from the reactor through the steam generators and back, avoiding boiling. L&T highlighted that the fourth steam generator was sent nine months ahead of schedule, with the full set of four delivered in 45 months. The first unit set a global standard, completed in just 33 months. The earlier three steam generators for Kaiga 5 and 6 reached the site between August 2024 and early February 2025.
Anil V Parab, director and senior executive vice president at Heavy Engineering and L&T Valves, remarked: “L&T Heavy Engineering's nuclear team continues to be the industry trend-setter. Our large talent pool, trained in robust nuclear quality culture, ensures consistent first-time-right execution and globally benchmarked deliveries. This accomplishment is in alignment with the Honourable PM's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision of achieving at least 100 GWe nuclear power generation.” The company’s efforts support India’s goal of expanding nuclear energy capacity.
Kaiga 5 and 6 are part of a plan to build ten 700 MWe PHWRs using a fleet construction approach, approved by the Indian government. This method aims to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Excavation for these units began in May 2022. Meanwhile, two similar 700 MWe PHWRs are already operating commercially at Kakrapar in Gujarat, and Rajasthan unit 7 was linked to the grid in March 2025, with commercial operations expected later this year.
L&T’s timely delivery strengthens India’s nuclear energy infrastructure. The Kaiga project, located in Karnataka, advances the nation’s efforts to meet growing energy demands sustainably. The company’s work at Hazira reflects its capacity to produce large-scale equipment efficiently, contributing to the broader PHWR program.
