NEW DELHI, May 6 (RIA Novosti) – Experts working on the construction of India’s Kudankulam nuclear power plant being built with Russian assistance have brought the first reactor unit to 90 percent of its capacity, a source in the industry told RIA Novosti Tuesday.
“The first power unit has been brought to 90 percent capacity. It currently generates 900 megawatts for the utility grid of southern India. All systems are working fine,” a source said.
“Inspection of the machinery and block systems is underway. After the necessary permissions are received from the Indian regulatory authority, the unit will be brought to the full capacity,” the source added.
Kudankulam’s first power unit was launched last July and was connected to the country’s power grid in October. Synchronization of the unit was completed successfully. All systems proved to be functioning effectively and specialists are currently working on the phase-by-phase installation. In January, the unit was brought to 75 percent of its capacity.
The Kudankulam nuclear power plant is being constructed with Russian technical assistance under intergovernmental agreements signed in 1988 and expanded in 1998. The sides are now completing preparations for the second phase of the project. Kudankulam is currently the most up-to-date nuclear plant in the world and the most powerful in India.
