India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has granted approval for major equipment erection at Units 5 and 6 of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP). This permission enables Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) to proceed with installation of key components such as:
- Reactor Pressure Vessel
- Steam Generators
- Coolant Pumps
The approval follows a multi-tier safety review of design compliance with AERB standards and an assessment of civil construction progress, building on earlier clearance granted in April 2021 for the First Pour of Concrete (FPC). The upcoming units incorporate advanced safety features aligned with AERB’s Safety Code for Light Water Reactor-based nuclear plants.
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP)
It is located in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu and represents India’s largest nuclear power installation developed with international collaboration.
- Technology: Pressurised Water Reactors (PWRs) of VVER design
- Collaboration: Built in partnership with the Russia
Status of Units
- Units 1 & 2: Operational since 2013 (commercial operation from 2014 and 2017 respectively)
- Units 3 & 4: In advanced stages of development; already received approval for major equipment erection
- Units 5 & 6: Construction began in 2021; now cleared for major equipment installation
- Units 7 & 8 (Proposed): Planned under Phase IV with advanced AES-2006 design and VVER-1200 reactors
Additional Developments
- Nuclear fuel for Unit 3 was delivered in December under a 2024 contract covering lifetime fuel supply for Units 3 & 4
Significance
- Strengthens India’s nuclear energy capacity and energy security
- Reflects adherence to stringent safety standards through AERB oversight
- Enhances India-Russia cooperation in civil nuclear technology
- Supports India’s transition toward clean and low-carbon energy sources