The third unit of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP-3) in Gujarat achieved its “first criticality” — which signifies the initiation of a controlled but sustained nuclear fission reaction—on July 22, Indian Express reported. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “Congratulations to our nuclear scientists for achieving criticality of Kakrapar Atomic Power Plant 3! This indigenously designed KAPP-3 reactor is a shining example of Make in India. And a trailblazer for many such future achievements.”
The reason the Prime Minister called it a “trailblazer” is that the KAPP-3 is a first of its kind, indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR). Until now, the biggest reactor size of indigenous design was the 540 MW PHWR, two of which have been deployed in Tarapur, Maharashtra. Prior to that, India had deployed 15-220 MW PHWRs.
KAPP-3 is the first in a series of 16 indigenous 700 MW PHWRs which have been accorded administrative approval and financial authorization by the government and are at various stages of implementation. In addition to two 1000 MW reactors, KKNPP 3 & 4, provided by Russia, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has five more 700 MW reactors, KAPP 4, RAPP 7&8 and GHAVP 1&2 under construction. These reactors are expected to be completed and achieve criticality progressively from next year.
