In a landmark advancement for India’s nuclear energy ambitions, Unit-7 of the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP-7&8), each with a capacity of 700 MW, achieved a crucial milestone on September 19, 2024, at 9:42 PM, by reaching the state of criticality. This achievement marks the initiation of a controlled nuclear fission chain reaction, underscoring India’s ongoing effort to balance its increasing energy demands with its obligations to lower carbon emissions.
This significant milestone came after the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) granted clearance for the First Approach to Criticality. Criticality in a nuclear reactor refers to the pivotal point where a sustained and regulated nuclear fission chain reaction commences. At this critical juncture, the number of neutrons produced through fission is balanced by the number of neutrons lost due to absorption and leakage, resulting in a consistent level of power output.
This is a vital milestone in the reactor’s operational cycle, as it signifies the shift from construction to operation. Attaining criticality is essential for the reactor to begin generating heat, which can subsequently be transformed into electricity, thereby augmenting the overall energy supply. Safe management and meticulous control during this process are imperative to ensure that the reactor functions within its designed safety parameters.
Situated in Rawatbhata, Rajasthan, RAPP-7 operates as a 700 MWe Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) and is the third unit in a series of sixteen indigenous reactors being developed across India. This progression serves as a testament to India’s expanding expertise in nuclear technology. The RAPP project is owned and managed by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), which plays a critical role in bolstering India’s energy security.
With the commissioning of RAPP-7, NPCIL continues to enhance its capabilities in the design, construction, and operation of nuclear power facilities. This unit follows the successful operations of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station Units 3 and 4 (KAPS-3 & KAPS-4), each also with a capacity of 700 MW, located in Kakrapar, Gujarat. This further illustrates the maturity and reliability of India’s nuclear technology.
The RAPP-7&8 initiative, with a combined planned capacity of 1400 MW, complements the existing six operational units at Rawatbhata, which currently contribute 1180 MW to the national grid. It is anticipated that RAPP-7 will commence power generation later this year, while RAPP-8 is scheduled to follow in the subsequent year.
Currently, NPCIL operates a total of 24 reactors with a cumulative capacity of 8180 MW. Moreover, there are eight units, including RAPP-7, under construction, which together will add a capacity of 6800 MW. Additionally, another ten reactors, amounting to a potential capacity of 7000 MW, are in the pre-project phase, projected to be completed incrementally by the years 2031-32.
With the construction phase now complete, RAPP-7 is transitioning to its operational phase. Following the successful achievement of criticality, a series of experiments and evaluations will be conducted to ensure optimal performance before the unit is officially integrated into the grid. Power levels will be gradually escalated in accordance with the AERB’s clearance until the unit reaches full power generation capacity.
Once fully operational, Unit-7 is poised to make a substantial contribution to the national grid, supplying clean and efficient energy to meet the escalating demands of both industries and households. India’s nuclear energy program is a crucial element of its strategy to attain a low-carbon economy. With the country aiming to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030, nuclear power emerges as a dependable and scalable solution.
As a zero-emission power source, nuclear energy helps reduce reliance on coal and other fossil fuels. The criticality achieved at RAPP Unit-7 represents a significant advancement toward fulfilling these energy and environmental objectives. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and NPCIL have been tirelessly working to ensure the timely progress of this project. With this milestone achieved, India takes another significant stride forward in enhancing its domestic power generation capabilities while simultaneously reducing its carbon footprint.
The achievement of criticality at the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project Unit-7 signifies more than merely the operational readiness of a reactor; it embodies India’s growing prowess in nuclear technology and its commitment to a sustainable energy future. As the nation strides toward its energy goals, RAPP Unit-7 will serve as a beacon of innovation and a promise for a cleaner tomorrow.
The successful attainment of criticality at RAPP-7 not only bolsters India’s energy security but also highlights the remarkable progress made in the realm of nuclear power generation, solidifying the country’s position as a leader in nuclear technology.
