Russia Ships Reactor Vessel to Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP)

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is a India’s largest nuclear power plant. This article covers its construction, operations, safety measures, and its role in meeting the country’s growing energy demands.

Table of Contents

Context: The VVER 1,000-MWe reactor vessel for the sixth unit of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project was recently shipped by Russia.

About Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP)

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) is the largest nuclear power station in India, situated in Kudankulam in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. Total Capacity is total of 6,000 MW across six units (each with 1,000 MW capacity).

Type

Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) using Russian VVER technology.

VVER (water-water energy reactor) technology is used in nuclear power plants designed by the Russian state nuclear corporation, ROSATOM.
VVER reactors are a type of pressurized water reactor (PWR) that use light water as both a coolant and moderator.

Technology: Developed in collaboration between India’s NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd.) and Russia’s Atomstroyexport.
Operational Units: Units 1& 2 (Capacity – 2000 MW)
Under Construction: Units 3, 4, 5 & 6 (1000 MW each)

Facts

India’s current installed nuclear power capacity is 8,180 MW (24 nuclear power reactors).
21 New Nuclear Reactors with 15,300 MW Capacity Under construction.
Target: 1 Lakh MW Nuclear Capacity by 2047 for Net Zero Transition.
India’s oldest nuclear power plant – Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS), Maharashtra.
The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) responsible for nuclear technology and research in India is under the Prime Minister’s Office.