24.7.20

India-made N-plant achieves criticality

India declared its first indigenously developed atomic power plant built at the Kakrapar nuclear complex in Gujarat ready to be switched on.

PM Narendra Modi described the development as a “shining example” of his vision for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and a “trailblazer for many such future achievements”.

“Congratulations to our nuclear scientists for achieving criticality (ready for operation) of Kakrapar Atomic Power Plant-3! This indigenously designed 700 MWe KAPP-3 reactor is a shining example of Make in India. And a trailblazer for many such future achievements!” he tweeted.

The third unit is the first of the two nuclear power plants designed and developed by Indian scientists based on pressurised heavy water reactor technology. The fourth unit, also of 700 MW, is under construction.

Nuclear power accounts for roughly 3-4% of supply though India has 22 nuclear reactors in operation at seven nuclear power plants with a total installed capacity of 6,780 MW. Most of these reactors were based on Canadian heavy water technology, followed by Russian designs. Seven more reactors are under construction with a combined generation capacity of 4,300 MW.

The Kakrapar complex is built on the banks of Tapti river in Mandvi tehsil some 80 Kms from Surat. It has two units of 220 MW fuelled by natural uranium in operation.

In coming days, various tests will be conducted and power will be increased progressively before it is connected to the western grid. The unit is the 23rd nuclear power reactor of the country and is the front runner in a series of 16 indigenous 700 MW nuclear power reactors.

According to the Nuclear Power Corporation, the components and equipment for the reactor have also been manufactured by Indian industries.

The power plant in Kakrapar, Gujarat is the first of the two nuclear power plants designed and developed by Indian scientists based on pressurised heavy water reactor technology

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