India Kakrapar-4 Nuclear Reactor Attains Criticality

Defense News - Unit 4 of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project, located in Surat district, Gujarat, has achieved a significant milestone by attaining criticality for the first time at 0117 hrs on Sunday, according to an announcement by the Mumbai-headquartered Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL).

This achievement marks the initiation of a controlled fission chain reaction in the 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR), known as KAPP-4. The criticality was attained after satisfying all requirements set forth by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), which granted clearance following a thorough safety review of the plant systems.

KAPP-4 represents the second installment in a series of sixteen indigenous PHWRs, each with a capacity of 700 MW, currently being established across the country. The event was observed by B C Pathak, CMD of NPCIL, who was present in the control room alongside the site team, while officials at NPCIL Headquarters in Mumbai witnessed the milestone through a video link.

Following the achievement of criticality, KAPP-4 will undergo various experiments and tests, with the power level gradually increasing in accordance with AERB clearances. Ultimately, the unit will operate at full power.

Expressing his congratulations to all NPCIL employees, Pathak highlighted the significance of achieving criticality within six months of the commercial operation of KAPP-3. He emphasized the robust capabilities of NPCIL in all aspects of nuclear power, including design, construction, commissioning, and operation.

Pathak urged everyone to work towards the prompt completion of the units currently under construction. KAPP 3&4 (2X700 MW) are situated in Kakrapar, Surat district, adjacent to the existing reactors KAPS 1&2 (2X220 MW).

B V S Sekhar, Outstanding Scientist and Associate Director (CP&CC) & Appellate Authority, underscored that these indigenous PHWRs boast advanced safety features, positioning them among the safest reactors globally. He emphasized that NPCIL has been responsible for the design, construction, commissioning, and operation of these reactors, while the supply of equipment and execution of contracts have been carried out by Indian industries and companies, reflecting the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

NPCIL currently operates 23 reactors with a total capacity of 7,480 MW, and there are nine units (including KAPP-4) with a capacity of 7,500 MW under construction. Additionally, pre-project activities are underway for 10 more reactors with a total capacity of 7,000 MW, expected to be completed progressively by 2031-32.