The first reactor of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) reached 90 per cent of its maximum capacity on Monday morning.
The 1,000-MWe VVER reactor, which attained criticality on July 13 last, generated 900 MWe, sparking jubilation among KKNPP technocrats.
As the reactor’s behaviour was on expected lines, it is likely to attain its maximum capacity before this week-end or next week.
Mandatory formalitiesHighly placed sources in the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) told The Hindu that the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) was pleased with the results from a slew of compulsory tests which were conducted when generation was gradually increased; hence, it permitted raising the unit’s capacity to 90 per cent on May 1, from 750 MWe to 900 MWe.
All mandatory formalities were completed in the early hours of Monday. The reactor behaved exceptionally well as its capacity increased. The reactor was stabilised at 880 MWe for a while and then its capacity increased to 900 MWe, the sources said.
Explaining the second unit’s progress towards criticality, the sources said preparations were under way for the mandatory hot conditioning tests, scheduled for June, and hence the reactor would be ready for fuel-loading in July or August. “If things move as fast as we’ve planned, the second reactor will attain criticality in November or December,” the sources said.
As for the third and fourth reactors, for which India and Russia recently signed an inter-governmental agreement, the sources said the work would begin once the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha elections was withdrawn.
