IAEA satisfied with safety of Kudankulam reactors

The International Atomic Energy Agency is satisfied with the modern safety features incorporated in Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) reactors, said Yukiya Amano, Director General, IAEA.

Addressing reporters after visiting the KKNPP on Wednesday, Mr. Amano said he was impressed with the most-modern safety features such as passive heat removal system, hydrogen re-combiners and core catcher incorporated in the 1,000 MW VVER nuclear reactors built with Russian assistance.

“The safety features incorporated at the KKNPP do not need external power to cool the reactor in case of emergency as they function instantly using basic principles of physics. Moreover, four diesel generators have been kept ready to supply electricity to cool the reactors in case of emergency. My visit to Kudankulam is to learn new ideas in the field of nuclear energy,” Mr. Amano said.

The former diplomat also advocated transparency in operating nuclear reactors and close communication with the locals, when asked about conducting public hearing while going in for constructing more reactors or organising mock emergency drills to educate the public.

He said 60 nuclear reactors were under construction across the world, apart from the 449 reactors functioning now. Since nuclear reactors, unlike coal or oil-based power plants, did not pose a serious threat to the environment and did not emit profusely climate changing gases, the total quantum of power to be generated by them across the globe would increase up to 56% by 2030.

Terming India IAEA’s most important partner, Mr. Amano said India was involved in a range of researches in the field of nuclear technology to diagnose and treat cancer, augment agricultural production, ensure food safety and make information technology chips. “Moreover, India is sharing the knowledge it has gained in the field of cancer treatment by imparting training to the people from other countries,” he noted.

Site Director (KKNPP) H.N. Sahu said commercial power generation by the second reactor would commence either in the last week of March or in the first week of April.