NPCIL erects reactor vessel at Kudankulam Unit 5

The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has completed erection of the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) inside the reactor building of Unit 5 at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) in Tamil Nadu.

The milestone follows grant of Major Equipment Erection clearance by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), enabling commencement of installation of key nuclear island equipment at Units 5 and 6. 

Key milestone

NPCIL said the RPV weighs around 320 tonnes and houses the reactor core where nuclear fission takes place. The installation was carried out using heavy-lift cranes.

According to the company, the development marks the beginning of erection activities related to the Nuclear Steam Supply System (NSSS) equipment for Unit 5.

The company stated that the milestone reflects coordination between NPCIL and Atomstroyexport (ASE) of the Russian Federation for execution of the project.

Project status

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project currently has two operational units generating power at rated capacity. NPCIL said Units 1 and 2 have together generated nearly 130 billion units of electricity.

The company added that the project has helped avoid around 112 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Units 3, 4, 5, and 6 are currently under various stages of construction. Once completed, the Kudankulam site will have a total installed capacity of 6,000 MWe.

NPCIL said the project forms part of India’s long-term strategy for clean and reliable energy generation under the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat.

Photo credit: NPCIL/LinkedIn