Rajasthan Atomic Power Project’s Unit 7 achieves criticality

The Rajasthan Atomic Power Project’s Unit 7 (RAPP-7) reached a major milestone, achieving criticality—the start of a controlled nuclear fission chain reaction.

RAPP-7, part of the 2×700 MW twin RAPP-7/8 units, is the third of 16 indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) with a 700 MW capacity, being developed by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL). The first two 700 MW PHWRs are operational at Kakrapar in Gujarat, with RAPP-7 following at Rawatbhata, Rajasthan.

The unit will now undergo further tests and experiments before being connected to the grid. Full power generation is expected later this year, with RAPP-8 set to commence operations in 2024. Construction for RAPP-8 is progressing, with major components and equipment already in place.