Monday, August 13, 2012

India: Kudankulam nuclear power plant gets nod for loading fuel

CHENNAI: The Kudankulam nuclear power plant is likely become operational by month-end with the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) giving its approval for loading fuel in the 1,000MW first unit. The green signal for loading fuel, the last step before the reactor starts producing power, came after a meeting of the regulatory board on Thursday evening.

"The board in principle gave its clearance for loading fuel after reviewing the progress of Unit 1. An official communication is being sent to the Nuclear Power Corporation Limited (NPCIL) and the plant authorities in this regard," AERB chairman S S Bajaj told TOI. Once the first of the two 1,000MW units becomes operational, Tamil Nadu will get around 450MW and the rest will be shared between Kerala, Puducherry and the central grid.

Fuel loading is likely to begin in another 10 days and power production by the end of this month, said an NPCIL official. "The fuel assemblies are ready, which are open to inspections by officials of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Fuel loading will happen in the presence of IAEA officials," the official said. Russia, which has provided the two VVER-type reactors, has also provided the fuel to last till the lifetime of the reactors (35 years).

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