• UGI USER
  • Dec 19, 2023
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KAKRAPAR UNIT-4 ACHIEVES CRITICALITY

Why in the News?

  • The fourth unit of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP) achieved controlled fission chain reaction.
  • This marks a significant achievement for the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL).
Source: Maps Of India

About Kakrapar Nuclear Reactors:

  • KAPP’s 700-MWe units are the largest indigenous nuclear power reactors built by NPCIL.
  • Pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs) utilize natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as a coolant and moderator.
  • NPCIL operates existing PHWRs with capacities of 220 MWe and 540 MWe.
  • Reactor designs showcase advanced safety features, including steel lining and a passive decay heat removal system.

Indigenous Supply and Execution:

  • Indian industries supplied equipment and executed contracts for the two reactors.
  • Indigenous capabilities in design, construction, and commissioning of reactors were showcased.

About India’s Nuclear Power Capacity:

Nuclear energy ranks as India’s fifth-largest electricity source, making up approximately 3% of the nation’s total electricity generation.

  • Nuclear Reactor Infrastructure:
  • India boasts a network of over 22 nuclear reactors spread across 7 power plants nationwide.
  • These reactors collectively generate 6780 MW of nuclear power.
  • New Addition to the Grid:
  • The Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP-3) reactor was integrated into the grid in January 2021.
  • Reactor Types:
  • Among the 22 reactors, 18 are Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), while the remaining 4 are Light Water Reactors (LWRs).
  • KAPP-3 Significance:
  • KAPP-3 holds a distinctive position as India’s inaugural 700 MWe unit.
  • It represents the largest indigenously developed variant of the Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) category.

 Current NPCIL Operations:

  • NPCIL operates 23 nuclear electricity reactors with a total capacity of 7,480 MWe.
  • Nine units, including KAPP-4, are under construction, while 10 reactors in the pre-project phase contribute to a total capacity of 7,000 MWe.