The Unit-1 of Kudankulam nuclear power project is at an advanced stage of commissioning. Permission for initial fuel loading and first approach to criticality was accorded by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board on August 10, said Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, V Narayanasamy.
After completion of fuel loading, being taken up now, in the reactor, activities to approach the first criticality (start of the fission chain reaction for the first time), a major milestone, would start after which full power operation of the unit would be achieved, the minister informed the Rajya Sabha.
The expert group has addressed all the legitimate concerns of the local people. The government has also enhanced the public outreach activities, using a multi-prolonged approach to address the genuine apprehensions of the local people.
The cost of Kudankulam project — units 1&2 — is estimated to go up from Rs 13,171 crore to Rs 17,270, due to delay in commissioning of the plant, he said.