India's third home-built 700 MWe nuclear reactor achieves criticality

India's third indigenous 700 MWe nuclear power reactor has successfully achieved criticality, marking a crucial step towards commencing commercial electricity generation, as announced by NPCIL. This reactor, part of the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP) in Rawatbhata, is the first of a new series of Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) being constructed at the site. Previously, 2 700 MWe PHWRs began commercial operations at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat. NPCIL confirmed that Unit 7 of the 2 x 700 MW RAPP 7&8 achieved criticality on September 19, 2024, following Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) clearance. RAPP-7 is the third of 16 indigenous 700 MWe PHWRs being developed across India, showcasing NPCIL's expertise in designing, constructing, and operating these reactors.

First, criticality signals the transition from the construction phase to the operation phase. Various tests and experiments will now be conducted before connecting the reactor to the grid, with power levels gradually increased to full capacity based on AERB clearances. The RAPP 7&8 project is situated in Rawatbhata, where 6 units with a total capacity of 1,180 MWe are already operational. NPCIL currently operates 24 reactors with a total capacity of 8,180 MWe and has 8 units under construction, including RAPP-7, with a capacity of 6,800 MWe. Additionally, 10 more reactors, with a combined capacity of 7,000 MWe, are in the pre-project phase and are expected to be completed by 2031-32.

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