Power output begins in K'kulam

The controversy ridden Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) in Tamil Nadu generated 160 MW power at its first unit after it was synchronised with a power grid in the early hours of Tuesday.

The development comes at a time when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is holding talks with Russia for supply of two more reactors to the plant.

“The first unit of the KNPP was synchronised to the grid at 2:25 am and generating 160 MW,” KNPP site director R S Sundar told Deccan Herald.

He said the power would be further raised from 500 MW to 700 MW in stages.

“At every stage, various tests will be conducted and technical parameters verified,” Sundar said. “Based on results of the tests at each stage and with the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board’s clearances, targets wil be achieved.”

Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) is setting up two 1,000-MW Russian reactors at Kudankulam in Tirunelveli district at a cost of over Rs 17,000 crore. 

The plant site director said addition of the KNPP’s 1,000-MW unit one would increase nuclear power generation in the country from 4,780 to 5,780 MW.

The unit is NPCIL’s 20th nuclear power station connected to the country’s power grid.