Context
On September 19, 2024, India marked a significant milestone in its nuclear energy program with the achievement of criticality by the third indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR), known as RAPP Unit 7, located at the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP) in Rawatbhata. This development underscores India’s commitment to expanding its nuclear power capabilities and enhancing energy security.
Significance of Criticality
- Definition of Criticality: Criticality defines a situation where a nuclear reactor has been structured in a manner that makes it possible to maintain a constant chain fission and therefore produce a consistent amount of energy. This is a critical working period in the commissioning process of a nuclear reactor being the stage between construction and readiness for power operation.
- Milestone Achievement: NPCIL stated that RAPP Unit 7 has made this significant step at 22:42 hours of September 19, 2024. This accomplishment builds on the previous implementation of two such reactors at the KAPS station in Gujarat, which has confirmed the effectiveness of this reactor style.
Background of RAPP Unit 7
- Project Overview: RAPP Unit 7 is one of the projects formulated to set up a string of indigenous 700 MWe PHWRs in India. The above reactor is the initial phase of the reactor construction plan aimed at putting up 16 of the reactor kind. The successful completion of this unit also indicates development of NPCIL reactor design and operation capabilities.
- Location and Existing Infrastructure: The RAPP facility is currently operating six units with an aggregate generation capacity of 1,180 MW electric. The new generation RAPP Unit 7 power plant will raise the production of nuclear energy from this site, which will help support energy demands in India.
Future Steps Following Criticality
- Testing and Grid Connection: After reaching the criticality, NPCIL will perform various exercises and experiments in the reactor so that it goes smoothly and safely. All these tests are mandatory before interconnection of the reactor to the national grid. The process will be that power levels will be stepped up over time, while the AERB remains focused on its regulatory role.
- Commercial Operation Timeline: RAPP Unit 7 is planned for commissioning by the end of the year and thereby will help towards meeting the energy requirements of India and its policy focus on utilising the renewable and low carbon based energy resources.
NPCIL’s Expanding Nuclear Fleet
- Current Operations and Capacity: Currently the NPCIL has 24 reactors under its control and has a total generating capacity in MWe, of 8,180. Currently, RAPP Unit 7 has already attained criticality and NPCIL has another 8 units under construction meaning that when they are complete they will add an astounding 6,800 MWe to the country’s capacity.
- Future Projects: Further to these developments, NPCIL is working on ten reactor additions in the pre-project phase that will total 7,000 MWe. These projects are planned to be executed step by step by 2031-32, which represents long term Indian plans for nuclear energy.
Implications for Energy Security
- Reducing Dependence on Fossil Fuels: The successful commissioning of indigenous nuclear reactors like RAPP Unit 7 has been deemed very important in reducing the share of Indian electricity generated from fossil fuels. India has sought to increase its energy security through diversification of its sources of energy, all in a bid to contain climate change impacts.
- Contribution to National Goals: This accomplishment is in consonance with India’s wider plans under various multilateral treaties for developing the say clean energy. The use of nuclear energy is considered as a promising method of satisfying future needs for power generation with less adverse effects.
Conclusion
The fact that India finally reaches criticality of its third indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor at RAPP is significant in their nuclear programme. Currently active with the existing power reactors and future expansion plans involving more reactors, NPCIL is all set to become the key player in the overall energy scenario of India. As RAPP Unit 7 is set for the beginning of production and with it the introduction of fusion energy commercially the world has a place of technological boasting as well as echoed India’s commitment towards sustainable and secured energy solutions.
Source: The Hindu