Kudankulam second reactor starts generating 1,000 MWe

The second unit of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project attained its maximum capacity of 1,000 MWe at 8.30 p.m. on Saturday.

“It’s a great moment for the KKNPP, which is already successfully operating its first unit. After successfully crossing a range of tests, the second reactor reached the milestone of generating 1,000 MWe at 8.30 p.m. today,” an elated R.S. Sundar, Site Director, KKNPP, told The Hindu .

He said the reactor was behaving exceptionally well as it reached the maximum generation capacity.

After attaining criticality on July 10 last year, power generation was gradually increased at several stages in the second reactor.

On attaining 250 MWe, 400 MWe, 500 MWe, 750 MWe and 900 MWe, power generation in the reactor was stopped for a range of mandatory tests stipulated by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.

Only after the AERB gave its nod at every level, power generation was increased to the next stage and ultimately to take the reactor to its maximum capacity of 1,000 MWe.

This is really good news for the Tangedco, which is already getting 562.50 MWe from the first reactor. Neighbouring Telengana, Karnataka and Kerala are getting 50 MWe, 221 MWe and 133 MWe respectively from the first reactor while the Union Territory of Puducherry’s share stands at 33.50 MWe. Tamil Nadu is expected to get a minimum of 462.50 MWe from the second unit.