KAKRAPAR ATOMIC POWER PROJECT

27-12-2023

Context

Recently, the 4^th module of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP-4) in Gujarat, boasting a capacity of 700 MWe, initiated a controlled fission chain reaction, achieving criticality.

KAPP-4: Key points

Built by	Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)
Fuel	Pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs), including those at KAPP, utilise natural uranium for fuel.
Coolant	In the context of nuclear reactors, a coolant is a substance circulated to remove or transfer heat, with water being the most commonly used coolant.
Moderator	A moderator, such as ordinary water, heavy water, or graphite, is employed in reactors to slow down high-velocity neutrons, thereby increasing the likelihood of fission.

About Criticality and Nuclear Fission:

Process	In the nuclear fission process, a neutron colliding with an atom, like Uranium-235, causes it to split, releasing substantial heat convertible into energy.
Fissile choice	The choice of Uranium-235 for nuclear power is due to its favourable splitting characteristics.
Regulatory approval	Regulatory approval from India's Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) was obtained for the criticality test, ensuring safe implementation.

Significance of this achievement:

This milestone signifies a crucial advancement in the nuclear power plant's operational readiness. Enabling efficient and continuous electricity production through nuclear energy.

India's nuclear power program operates in three stages:

1. First Stage: Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs)

Focuses on using natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as a moderator and coolant.
Establishes a self-sustaining nuclear fuel cycle with the goal of developing indigenous nuclear technology.

2. Second Stage: Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs)

Involves the use of fast breeder reactors to produce more fissile material (like plutonium-239) than consumed.
Aims to achieve a closed nuclear fuel cycle, where FBRs produce fuel for themselves and other reactors.

3. Third Stage: Thorium-Based Reactors

Envisions utilising thorium as a primary nuclear fuel.
Seeks to develop advanced reactors capable of using thorium to generate power, promoting sustainability and minimising nuclear waste.