---
title: "Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) — Definition"
description: "A Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor uses heavy water and natural uranium, forming the basis of India's three-stage nuclear program, vital for UPSC studies."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/pressurised-heavy-water-reactor"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- A Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor is a nuclear reactor that uses heavy water as both moderator and coolant and natural uranium as fuel.
- Why does a PHWR use natural uranium rather than enriched uranium?
- How does a PHWR differ from a Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR)?
- Where does the PHWR fit in India's three-stage nuclear programme?
- Why have PHWRs raised proliferation concerns?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In July 2020 the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited achieved first criticality of Kakrapar Atomic Power Station Unit 3 in Gujarat, the country's first indigenous 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor.

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