Why in News?
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) achieved a major milestone at Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) with the successful installation of the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) in Unit-5.
Key Facts for Prelims
- Location: Tamil Nadu ā India’s largest nuclear power station
- Developed by: NPCIL + Atomstroyexport (engineering wing of Russia’s Rosatom)
- Total Capacity: 6,000 MWe (6 units Ć 1,000 MWe)
- Reactor Type: Russian VVER-1000 (Pressurized Water Reactor)
- Fuel: Enriched uranium (unlike India’s PHWRs which use natural uranium)
- Coolant/Moderator: Light water
KKNPP vs India’s Indigenous Nuclear Fleet
| Feature | KKNPP (Russian) | India’s Indigenous Fleet |
|---|---|---|
| Reactor Type | VVER-1000 (PWR) | Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) |
| Fuel | Enriched Uranium | Natural Uranium |
| Coolant/Moderator | Light Water | Heavy Water (DāO) |
| Partner | Rosatom (Russia) | Indigenous (NPCIL) |
Trap / Confusing Points
| Confusion | Correct Fact |
|---|---|
| KKNPP uses natural uranium | KKNPP uses enriched uranium |
| KKNPP is in Andhra Pradesh | KKNPP is in Tamil Nadu |
| Rosatom directly operates KKNPP | NPCIL operates; Rosatom/Atomstroyexport is partner/builder |
| KKNPP has 4 units | Designed for 6 units (6,000 MWe total) |
Practice MCQs
1. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project is in which state?
a. Andhra Pradesh
b. Karnataka
c. Tamil Nadu
d. Kerala
Ans: C
KKNPP is in Tamil Nadu ā India’s largest nuclear power station.
2. KKNPP uses which reactor technology?
a. PHWR
b. VVER-1000 (PWR)
c. BWR
d. Fast Breeder Reactor
Ans: B
KKNPP uses Russian VVER-1000 with light water as coolant and moderator.
3. KKNPP is partnered with which Russian organization?
a. Roscosmos
b. Rosoboronexport
c. Atomstroyexport (Rosatom)
d. Gazprom
Ans: C
Jointly developed by NPCIL and Atomstroyexport, the engineering wing of Rosatom.
4. Total planned capacity of KKNPP?
a. 2,000 MWe
b. 4,000 MWe
c. 5,000 MWe
d. 6,000 MWe
Ans: D
6,000 MWe across 6 units of 1,000 MWe each.
5. Recent milestone at Kudankulam Unit-5 was installation of?
a. Steam Generator
b. Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV)
c. Turbine Hall
d. Containment Dome
Ans: B
NPCIL successfully installed the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) in Unit-5.
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To know more about KKNPP, Click here.
