On December 17, 2023 (Sunday), at 01:17 hrs., the Unit 4 of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP 4-700 MW) accomplished the significant milestone of Criticality (start of controlled fission chain reaction) for the first time. After fulfilling all requirements set forth by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), which granted approval following a thorough assessment of the plant systems' safety, criticality was attained. KAPP-4 is the second of sixteen domestic Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) that the nation is building, each with a capacity of 700 MW.
Following the initial criticality, a number of tests and experiments will be carried out in KAPP-4, and the power level will be gradually increased in accordance with the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board's (AERB) approvals, until the unit is operating at full capacity.
KAPP 3&4 (2X700 MW) are situated next to the current reactors KAPS 1&2 (2X220 MW) at Kakrapar in the Surat district of Gujarat. These indigenous PHWRs are among the safest reactors in the world thanks to their cutting-edge safety measures. These reactors are a real representation of Atma Nirbhar Bharat because, although being developed, built, commissioned, and operated by NPCIL, Indian industries and firms supplied the equipment and carried out the contract execution.
Shri B.C. Pathak, CMD, NPCIL, who was with the site crew in the station's control room, saw the event. Via a video link, NPCIL Headquarters officials saw the event. After the occasion, the CMD of NPCIL congratulated all of the staff members while speaking to the officials at the location and the headquarters. Within six months of Unit-3's commercial operation, he claimed that KAPP-4's criticality had been reached, which was an important accomplishment. It showed the strength of NPCIL in all areas of nuclear power, including design, building, commissioning, and operation, along with the seamless functioning of KAPP-3. He asked all of them to strive for the quick completion of the apartments that are now being built.
Nine units (including KAPP-4) with a capacity of 7500 MW are under development, and NPCIL currently runs 23 reactors with a total capacity of 7480 MW. Ten additional reactors, totaling 7000 MW in capacity, are presently engaged in pre-project activities. It is anticipated that these will be finished gradually by 2031-22.
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