TIRUNELVELI
After successfully accomplishing the second refuelling process, the first reactor of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) attained criticality at 9.28 a.m. on Thursday.
Presently, the 1,000 MWe VVER reactor built with Russian assistance is undergoing mandatory post-criticality tests.
“Since the reactor is performing well after the second fuel outage, it will get synchronised with the southern grid within a week,” said S.V. Jinna, Site Director, KKNPP.
After 33% of the spent fuel was removed during the scheduled fuel outage, fresh enriched uranium bundles were robotically inserted into the reactor core and associated maintenance was done as mandated by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board during the four-and-a-half- month exercise.
The start of fission chain reaction was initiated at 9.28 a.m. on Thursday.