Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project update

The loading of fuel in the first reactor of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project, a crucial step in the run-up to the commissioning of the plant, is likely to start in 10 days. The project now awaits the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board approval. According to plant authorities, the power production will commence 15 days after the fuel-loading begins. “We expect the first unit at Kudankulam to begin generating electricity in a month or two and the second unit is expected to go on stream after six months or so,” NPCIL general manager P M Shah said. “Whatever activity has to be done before loading of actual fuel begins has been done. We are awaiting AERB’s clearance,” he said. Tamil Nadu will get nearly 450MW from the first unit though chief minister J Jayalalithaa has been pitching for the entire generation.