Surat: The second domestically built 700 MW nuclear power reactor in India, situated at Kakrapar achieved its initial criticality marking the start of controlled fission reactions this Sunday. This development paves the way for the transition towards generating electricity for commercial purposes.

The Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), B C Pathak, was in attendance when this feat was observed at 1:17 am.

Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP) Unit-4 is the second installment in a series of 16 indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) each boasting a capacity of 700 MW, being established across the country. Addressing officials at the site, Pathak emphasized the significance of achieving criticality for KAPP-4 within six months of the commercial operation of Unit-3.

The attainment of criticality adhered to all stipulations set by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), which granted clearance following a thorough review of the safety of the plant systems, according to a statement from NPCIL. Post the first criticality, a series of experiments and tests will be conducted in KAPP-4, gradually increasing the power level in accordance with AERB clearances, ultimately leading to the unit’s operation at full power.

KAPP 3 and 4 (2×700 MW) are situated at Kakrapar in the Surat district of Gujarat, adjacent to the existing reactors KAPS 1 and 2 (2×220 MW). The NPCIL asserts that these indigenous PHWRs feature advanced safety measures and rank among the world’s safest reactors.

While the design, construction, commissioning, and operation of these reactors are managed by NPCIL, the supply of equipment and execution of contracts are handled by Indian industries and companies, as stated by the corporation. Currently, NPCIL operates 23 reactors with a total capacity of 7,480 MW, and nine units, including KAPP-4, with a capacity of 7,500 MW, are under construction. Additionally, 10 more reactors with a total capacity of 7,000 MW are in pre-project activities, expected to be completed by 2031-32. DeshGujarat