Russia begins fuel deliveries for Kudankulam reactors

Russia has started supplying nuclear fuel for the upcoming units of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. Rosatom said the first cargo flight carrying VVER 1000 fuel assemblies from the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant in Siberia has reached India.

Seven flights will deliver the full reactor core and reserve fuel for units 3 and 4. The shipments are part of a 2024 contract that guarantees fuel for the entire operating life of both reactors from their initial loading. Rosatom noted that since 2022 the plant’s first two units have used the newer TVS 2M fuel, which has improved performance and enabled an 18 month fuel cycle. Units 3 and 4 will be the first VVER 1000 reactors to start operations on this extended cycle.

The delivery follows recent discussions between Indian and Russian leaders on expanding nuclear cooperation. A joint statement confirmed plans to broaden collaboration across the fuel cycle, provide lifecycle support for Kudankulam, and pursue non power applications. India said it will work to finalise allotment of a second site for another plant with Russian designed reactors, a proposal under negotiation since 2016.

Kudankulam currently operates two 1 GW VVER 1000 units commissioned in 2013 and 2016. Four more units are under construction, which will take total capacity to 6,000 MW. Talks on the second site, which could host six 1.2 GW reactors, have progressed alongside planned amendments to India’s atomic energy law intended to permit private participation and adjust supplier liability rules.

Both sides described nuclear cooperation as central to their strategic partnership. India plans to raise nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047. Its 21 operating units provide about 7.5 GW, or around 3.5 per cent of electricity generation. President Vladimir Putin also stated that Russia is open to working with India on small modular reactor development.