Mumbai : 20 September 2024

The Unit 7 of the 2 X 700 MW Rajasthan Atomic Power Project 7&8 (RAPP-7&8) at Rawatbhata, achieved the important milestone of Criticality (start of controlled fission chain reaction) on September 19, 2024 at 22:42 hrs, after clearance of First Approach to Criticality by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

RAPP-7 is the third in the series of sixteen indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) of 700 MW each, being set up in the country. The successful achievement of Criticality of RAPP-7, after the smooth operation of the first two 700 MW PHWRs, viz. KAPS 3&4 (2X700 MW) at Kakrapar in Gujarat, demonstrates the maturity achieved by NPCIL in the design, construction and operation of the indigenous 700 MW PHWRs.

Criticality for the first time on the project timeline marks the completion of construction phase and commencement of the operation phase. Various experiments / tests will now be conducted before connecting it to the grid. Thereafter the power level will be raised in steps to full power, in line with the clearances of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

RAPP-7&8 project is being set up at Rawatbhata in Rajasthan, where already six units with a total capacity of 1180 MW are in operation. RAPP-7 is expected to start generation this year, followed by RAPP-8 in the next year.

NPCIL presently operates 24 reactors with a total capacity of 8180 MW and has eight units (including RAPP-7) with a capacity of 6800 MW under construction. In addition, 10 more reactors with a total capacity of 7000 MW are in pre-project activities. These are expected to be completed progressively by 2031-32.

ST/PM

 

Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai    /pibmumbai  pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com

 

 

(Release ID: 2056992) Visitor Counter : 244