The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has given its approval for the removal of dummy fuel and loading of real fuel (enriched uranium) in the first unit (1000 MW capacity) of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) in Tamil Nadu.
The loading of real fuel would begin soon and thereafter, a trial run would go on for approximately 20 days before attaining criticality (commissioning), Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), V. Narayanasamy said here on Saturday.
Talking to The Hindu , the Minister said a team of 13 scientists had carried out a detailed study of the plant, including the pressure vessel and its internal components, before giving the ‘go ahead' on Thursday.
The activity in the second unit (also 1000 MW) was nearing completion and more than 95 per cent of the work there was over, he said.
