Kudankulam reactors generate 27,934 million units of power

The first and the second reactors of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project have collectively generated 27,934 million units of electricity since commissioning, said Suresh Kumar Pillai, Station Director, KKNPP- 1 and 2.

While the first unit generated 21,131 million units, the second reactor produced 6,803 million units since commissioning. Addressing the Independence Day celebration at the Atomic Energy Central School at Anu Vijay Township, Mr. Suresh Kumar, after unfurling the national flag, said the country’s installed capacity of power generation had increased phenomenally from a mere 1,362 MWe in 1947 to nearly 3.45 lakh MWe in 2018, including renewable energy sources. However, the country was still in need of more energy to catch up with the living standards of many developed nations.

India has demonstrated its capabilities to the world, particularly in the Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology, as nuclear power was one of the sustainable energy options. With the experience from building and operating a 220 MWe PHWR, the country had developed mastery over the PHWR technology. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited is now operating 18 PHWRs and four Light Water Reactors in the country and has total nuclear power installed capacity of 6,780 MWe.

In addition, NPCIL was setting up light water reactors such as Pressurised Water Reactors with technical assistance from other countries.

Two VVER-1000 units of KKNPP 1 and 2 had been set up with the assistance of Russian Federation and the KKNPP was producing 1,000 MW electricity from a single nuclear power unit and 2,000 MWe at single site.

Having generated 27,934 million units of power, both the reactors were functioning exceptionally well. Unit-1 operated continuously for 278 days during its second fuel cycle from February 22, 2016 to November 22, 2016 and produced a capacity factor of 86.28% during third fuel cycle.

“It is true that we faced some teething troubles, during the early stages. I appreciate the officers and staff for their determination and perseverance in overcoming those difficulties and stabilising the unit performance. I am also sure that this team spirit will continue and KKNPP units will rise to its full potential very soon,” Mr. Suresh said adding that work on setting up of four more 1,000 MWe units at KKNPP site was progressing well.

Under KKNPP’s Corporate Social Responsibility schemes, Rs. 5.2 crore had been spent last year for education, sanitation, healthcare and infrastructure development in the neighbourhood. Under the Neighborhood Development Programme (NDP), Rs. 200 crores had been earmarked for various infrastructural projects in 13 village panchayats of Radhapuram taluk.

Under NDP projects, such as drinking water supply from river Tamirabarani, construction of Government Hospital at Kudankulam, Primary Health Centre at Chettikulam, Primary Health Centre at Uvari, fish landing facility (Groynes) at Uvari, groynes at Kuthenkuzhi and Perumanal, fish marketing facility at Uvari, fish net mending centre at Koottapanai and improvements of roads have been implemented through district administration.

Mr. Suresh lauded the public awareness team’s efforts in demystifying the apprehensions of general public about nuclear power and also enhance the awareness on the importance of nuclear power as a clean, benign and reliable source of electric energy.

“Until now, the PA team has reached out more than 6 lakh people through various communication programmes like site visits, exhibition and awareness lectures,” he said.

Ivanisov, Head of Russian Specialist Group at KK Site, members of ASE team, S. Jayakrishnan, Project Director, KKNPP – 3 and 4 and top officials of KKNPP were present.