NPCIL said the milestone reflects close coordination between India and Russia’s Atomstroyexport (ASE), underlining the role of international cooperation in India’s nuclear expansion plans.
India-Russia nuclear partnership gets boost: 320-tonne Reactor Pressure Vessel installed at Kudankulam Unit-5
India’s nuclear energy programme reached a significant milestone as the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) successfully installed the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) at Unit-5 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) in Tamil Nadu.
The installation inside the reactor building marks a crucial phase in the construction of the unit and comes after the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) cleared major equipment erection, allowing key nuclear island equipment work to begin.
Advertisement
NPCIL said the achievement reflects the growing cooperation between India and Russia in the nuclear energy sector.
Advertisement
View this post on Instagram
The Reactor Pressure Vessel, weighing around 320 tonnes, is considered the core component of a nuclear power plant as it houses the reactor core where nuclear fission takes place.
In a statement, NPCIL said, “The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has reached a major construction milestone at Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) Unit-5 with the successful erection of the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) inside the reactor building.”
The installation was carried out using advanced heavy-lift cranes, with NPCIL highlighting engineering precision, planning and adherence to safety and quality standards.
The corporation added, “This achievement also signifies the beginning of the erection of Nuclear Steam Supply System (NSSS) equipment, marking significant progress in Unit-5.”
NPCIL said the milestone reflects close coordination between India and Russia’s Atomstroyexport (ASE), underlining the role of international cooperation in India’s nuclear expansion plans.
The development comes amid continued India-Russia engagement in the energy sector.
Speaking during the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that India-Russia bilateral trade could reach USD 100 billion in the coming years.
Highlighting energy cooperation, Putin said, “We are not only talking about our plans in energy, including nuclear energy. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) is now being constructed.”
NPCIL said KKNPP Units 1 and 2 are already generating electricity at rated capacity and have together produced nearly 130 billion units of power, helping avoid around 112 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
“As Units 3, 4, 5, and 6 progress through advanced and ongoing stages of construction, the Kudankulam site is steadily moving towards its full potential of 6,000 MWe installed capacity, reinforcing India’s long-term commitment to reliable, clean, and sustainable energy,” the statement said.
NPCIL called the milestone a part of India’s wider focus on energy security, environmental responsibility and sustainable development under the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat.
Earlier on May 2, the AERB granted permission for major equipment erection at Units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam project.
NPCIL had termed the clearance as an important step forward for India’s nuclear energy programme.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had earlier highlighted Russia’s role in India’s civil nuclear sector, saying, “Russia is our foremost partner in civil nuclear energy and the Kudankulam nuclear project is a stellar example.”
India has set a target to increase its nuclear power generation capacity to 100 gigawatts by 2047, with Kudankulam expected to remain a key contributor towards that goal.
Advertisement
