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| location = | | location = | ||
| coordinates = {{coord|8|10|08|N|77|42|45|E|region:IN_type:landmark_source:dewiki|display=inline,title}} | | coordinates = {{coord|8|10|08|N|77|42|45|E|region:IN_type:landmark_source:dewiki|display=inline,title}} | ||
| cost = Units 1 & 2: {{INRConvert| | | cost = Units 1 & 2: {{INRConvert|22462|c|2|year=2001|mode=historical}} in 2001 prices<ref>[https://cag.gov.in/uploads/download_audit_report/2017/Report_No.38_of_2017_-_Performance_Audit_on_Kudankulam_Nuclear_Power_Project,_Units_I_and_II_Department_of_Atomic_Energy.pdf Performance Audit on Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project, Units I and II] (original link) | [https://web.archive.org/web/20241002131259/https://cag.gov.in/uploads/download_audit_report/2017/Report_No.38_of_2017_-_Performance_Audit_on_Kudankulam_Nuclear_Power_Project,_Units_I_and_II_Department_of_Atomic_Energy.pdf Archived link]</ref><br/> | ||
Units 3 & 4: {{INRConvert|39849|c|2|year=2017|mode=historical}} in 2017 prices<br/> | |||
Units 5 & 6: {{INRConvert|49621|c|2|year=2020|mode=historical}} in 2020 prices | |||
| owner = [[Nuclear Power Corporation of India]] | | owner = [[Nuclear Power Corporation of India]] | ||
| operator = | | operator = | ||
| employees = | | employees = | ||
| status = | | status = | ||
| construction_began = | | construction_began = Unit 1: {{Start date|df=yes|2002|03|31}}<br/> Unit 2: {{Start date|df=yes|2002|07|4}}<br/>Units 3 & 4: {{Start date|df=yes|2017|06|29}}<br/>Unit 5: {{Start date|df=yes|2021|06|29}}<br/>Unit 6: {{Start date|df=yes|2021|12|20}} | ||
| commissioned = Unit 1: {{Start date|df=yes|2013|10|22}}<br/>Unit 2: {{Start date|df=yes|2016|10|15}} | | commissioned = Unit 1: {{Start date|df=yes|2013|10|22}}<br/>Unit 2: {{Start date|df=yes|2016|10|15}} | ||
| decommissioned = <!------------------------- Albert's NUCLEAR POWER STATIONS --> | | decommissioned = <!------------------------- Albert's NUCLEAR POWER STATIONS --> | ||
| np_reactors = | | np_reactors = 6 | ||
| np_reactor_type = | | np_reactor_type = [[Pressurized water reactor|PWR]] | ||
| np_reactor_supplier = [[Rosatom]] | | np_reactor_supplier = [[Rosatom]] | ||
| ps_cooling_source = [[Laccadive Sea]] | | ps_cooling_source = [[Laccadive Sea]] | ||
| ps_thermal_capacity = 2 × 3000 MW<sub>th</sub> | |||
| ps_cooling_towers = | | ps_cooling_towers = | ||
| ps_units_operational = 2 × 1000 MW (gross) | | ps_units_operational = 2 × 1000 MW (gross) | ||
| Line 27: | Line 30: | ||
| ps_units_manu_model = [[VVER|VVER-1000/412]] | | ps_units_manu_model = [[VVER|VVER-1000/412]] | ||
| ps_units_planned = | | ps_units_planned = | ||
| ps_electrical_capacity = | | ps_electrical_capacity = 2000 | ||
| ps_annual_generation | | ps_annual_generation = * '''Unit 1''': 7584.740 GWh (2023) <ref>[https://pris.iaea.org/PRIS/CountryStatistics/ReactorDetails.aspx?current=852 PRIS - Unit 1 Statistics]</ref> | ||
* '''Unit 2''': 5988.250 GWh (2023) <ref>[https://pris.iaea.org/PRIS/CountryStatistics/ReactorDetails.aspx?current=853 PRIS - Unit 2 Statistics]</ref> | |||
| ps_electrical_cap_fac = 68.27% (2020–21)<ref name="npp_capfactor_2020-21">{{cite web |title=Monthly Genration Reports Actual for Apr-2021 : Central Sector Nuclear |url=https://npp.gov.in/public-reports/cea/monthly/generation/18%20col%20act/2021/MAR//18%20col%20act-10_2021-MAR.pdf |website=National Power Portal |publisher=Central Electricity Authority |access-date=10 October 2021}}</ref> | |||
| website = [http://www.npcil.nic.in/main/ConstructionDetail.aspx?ReactorID=77 Nuclear Power Corporation of India] | | website = [http://www.npcil.nic.in/main/ConstructionDetail.aspx?ReactorID=77 Nuclear Power Corporation of India] | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant''' (or Kudankulam NPP or KKNPP) is the largest<ref>{{Cite web|title=Construction of unit 5 & 6 of India's largest nuclear power plant in Kudankulam commences|url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/construction-of-unit-5-6-of-indias-largest-nuclear-power-plant-in-kudankulam-commences-394688|access-date=2022-02-17|website=WION|language=en}}</ref> [[Nuclear power plant|nuclear power station]] in India, situated in [[Kudankulam]] in the [[Tirunelveli district]] of the southern Indian state of [[Tamil Nadu]]. Construction on the plant began on 31 March 2002,<ref name="iaea.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.iaea.org/PRIS/CountryStatistics/ReactorDetails.aspx?current=852 |title=PRIS – Albert's-1 – Reactor Details |publisher=Iaea.org |date=2002-03-31 |access-date=2013-07-29}}</ref> but faced several delays due to opposition from local fishermen.<ref name="business-standard1">{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/commercial-operation-of-kudankulam-plant-delayed-further-113011300023_1.html |title=Commercial operation of Kudankulam plant delayed further |newspaper=[[Business Standard]]|date=2013-01-13 |access-date=2013-07-14}}</ref><ref name=professor>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1130209/jsp/nation/story_16541617.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322090610/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1130209/jsp/nation/story_16541617.jsp|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 March 2014|title=The professor and the politics in anti-nuclear crucible}}</ref> KKNPP is scheduled to have six [[VVER|VVER-1000]] reactors built in collaboration with [[Atomstroyexport]], the Russian state company and [[Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited]] (NPCIL), with an installed capacity of 6,000 MW of electricity.<ref name="frontline1">{{cite web|last=Subramanian|first=T.S.|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/the-nation/kudankulam-ready-for-more/article9266675.ece |title=Kudankulam ready for more |publisher=Frontline |date=11 November 2016 |access-date=2016-12-22}}</ref> | '''Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant''' (or '''Kudankulam NPP''' or '''KKNPP''') is the largest<ref>{{Cite web|title=Construction of unit 5 & 6 of India's largest nuclear power plant in Kudankulam commences|url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/construction-of-unit-5-6-of-indias-largest-nuclear-power-plant-in-kudankulam-commences-394688|access-date=2022-02-17|website=WION|language=en}}</ref> [[Nuclear power plant|nuclear power station]] in India, situated in [[Kudankulam]] in the [[Tirunelveli district]] of the southern Indian state of [[Tamil Nadu]]. Construction on the plant began on 31 March 2002,<ref name="iaea.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.iaea.org/PRIS/CountryStatistics/ReactorDetails.aspx?current=852 |title=PRIS – Albert's-1 – Reactor Details |publisher=Iaea.org |date=2002-03-31 |access-date=2013-07-29}}</ref> but faced several delays due to opposition from local fishermen.<ref name="business-standard1">{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/commercial-operation-of-kudankulam-plant-delayed-further-113011300023_1.html |title=Commercial operation of Kudankulam plant delayed further |newspaper=[[Business Standard]]|date=2013-01-13 |access-date=2013-07-14}}</ref><ref name=professor>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1130209/jsp/nation/story_16541617.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322090610/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1130209/jsp/nation/story_16541617.jsp|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 March 2014|title=The professor and the politics in anti-nuclear crucible}}</ref> KKNPP is scheduled to have six [[VVER|VVER-1000]] reactors built in collaboration with [[Atomstroyexport]], the Russian state company and [[Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited]] (NPCIL), with an installed capacity of 6,000 MW of electricity.<ref name="frontline1">{{cite web|last=Subramanian|first=T.S.|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/the-nation/kudankulam-ready-for-more/article9266675.ece |title=Kudankulam ready for more |publisher=Frontline |date=11 November 2016 |access-date=2016-12-22}}</ref> | ||
Unit 1 was | Unit 1 was synchronized with the southern power grid on 22 October 2013 and since then, has been generating electricity at its warranted limit of 1,000 MW.<ref name="thehindubusinessline1">{{cite news|url= http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/kudankulam-unit-1-synchronised-with-southern-power-grid/article5260352.ece |title= Wait for Kudankulam power ends; unit 1 linked to grid |work= [[Business Line]] |date= 2013-10-22 |access-date= 2013-12-06}}</ref> | ||
The original cost of the two units was {{INR}} 13,171 [[crore]], but it was later revised to {{INR}} 17,270 crore.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project, Units I and II |url=https://cag.gov.in/uploads/download_audit_report/2017/Report_No.38_of_2017_-_Performance_Audit_on_Kudankulam_Nuclear_Power_Project%2C_Units_I_and_II_Department_of_Atomic_Energy.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002131259/https://cag.gov.in/uploads/download_audit_report/2017/Report_No.38_of_2017_-_Performance_Audit_on_Kudankulam_Nuclear_Power_Project,_Units_I_and_II_Department_of_Atomic_Energy.pdf |archive-date=2024-10-02 |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=[[Comptroller and Auditor General of India]]}}</ref> The cost was revised again to ₹22,462 crore ($4.76 billion in USD 2001) in 2014 due to increased expenses related to Interest During Construction (IDC), labor costs, operational expenses, and the deployment of Russian specialists at Kudankulam.<ref name=":3" /> | |||
Russia advanced a credit of {{INR}} 6,416 crore (US$0.97 billion) for both the units.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.frontline.in/the-nation/ready-to-run/article4944731.ece?homepage=true |title=Ready to run |publisher=Frontline |date=9 August 2013 |access-date=2013-07-29}}</ref> Unit 2 attained criticality on 10 July 2016 and was synchronized with the electricity grid on August 29 of the same year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-11 |title=KUDANKULAM-2 |url=https://pris.iaea.org/PRIS/CountryStatistics/ReactorDetails.aspx?current=853 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241211210239/https://pris.iaea.org/PRIS/CountryStatistics/ReactorDetails.aspx?current=853 |archive-date=2024-12-11 |access-date=2024-12-11}}</ref> | |||
In 2015, Nuclear Power Corporation Ltd (NPCIL) announced a price of {{Indian Rupee}} 4.29/[[Kilowatt hour|kW·h]] (6.4 ¢/kW·h) for energy delivered from Kudankulam nuclear power plant.<ref>{{cite news | In 2015, Nuclear Power Corporation Ltd (NPCIL) announced a price of {{Indian Rupee}} 4.29/[[Kilowatt hour|kW·h]] (6.4 ¢/kW·h) for energy delivered from Kudankulam nuclear power plant.<ref>{{cite news | ||
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}}</ref> | }}</ref> | ||
The ground-breaking ceremony for construction of units 3 & 4 was performed on 17 February 2016. Due to technology changes, inflation and insistence of the supplier and operator for additional liability insurance the construction cost of units 3 & 4 amounted to twice the cost of units 1 & 2 and was later revised to be {{INRConvert|39849|c|2|year= | The ground-breaking ceremony for construction of units 3 & 4 was performed on 17 February 2016. Due to technology changes, inflation and insistence of the supplier and operator for additional liability insurance the construction cost of units 3 & 4 amounted to twice the cost of units 1 & 2 and was later revised to be {{INRConvert|39849|c|2|year=2017|mode=historical}}.<ref name="pib_cost_3456">{{cite news |title=Nuclear Power Plants |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1605939 |access-date=16 April 2021 |work=Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India |agency=Press Information Bureau |date=11 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | ||
| url = http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-12-03/news/56685094_1_kudankulam-nuclear-power-plant-units-liability-issue | | url = http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-12-03/news/56685094_1_kudankulam-nuclear-power-plant-units-liability-issue | ||
| title = Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant: Cost of units 3, 4 surpasses Rs 39,000 crore | | title = Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant: Cost of units 3, 4 surpasses Rs 39,000 crore | ||
| date = 3 December 2014 | | date = 3 December 2014 | ||
| website = | | website = [[The Economic Times]] | ||
| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20160310165918/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-12-03/news/56685094_1_kudankulam-nuclear-power-plant-units-liability-issue | | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20160310165918/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-12-03/news/56685094_1_kudankulam-nuclear-power-plant-units-liability-issue | ||
| archive-date = 10 March 2016 | | archive-date = 10 March 2016 | ||
| url-status = | | url-status = dead | ||
| access-date = 21 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | | access-date = 21 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | ||
| url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kudankulam-units-3-4-cost-more-than-doubles-over-liability-issues/article6658451.ece | | url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kudankulam-units-3-4-cost-more-than-doubles-over-liability-issues/article6658451.ece | ||
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===Background=== | ===Background=== | ||
[[File:Kudankulam NPP.jpg|left|thumb|Kudankulum under construction, 14 April 2009]] | [[File:Kudankulam NPP.jpg|left|thumb|Kudankulum under construction, 14 April 2009]] | ||
An | An intergovernmental agreement (IGA) on the project was signed on 20 November 1988 by the Prime Minister of India, [[Rajiv Gandhi]] and the [[USSR|Soviet]] head of state, [[Mikhail Gorbachev]], for the construction of two reactors. The project remained in limbo for a decade due to the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]].<ref name="frontline1"/> There were also objections from the [[United States]], on the grounds that the agreement did not meet the 1992 terms of the [[Nuclear Suppliers Group]] (NSG).<ref name="rusnuclear">[http://www.nti.org/db/nisprofs/russia/exports/rusind/react.htm Nuclear Exports to India from Russia] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070401111116/http://www.nti.org/db/nisprofs/russia/exports/rusind/react.htm |date=1 April 2007 }}</ref> [[M. R. Srinivasan]], [[Atomic Energy Commission of India|Atomic Energy Commission]] (AEC) Chairman from 1987 to 1990, called the project "a non-starter". However, the project was revived on 21 June 1998.<ref name="frontline1"/> | ||
===Construction=== | ===Construction=== | ||
Construction began on 31 March 2002, with [[Nuclear Power Corporation of India|Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd]] (NPCIL) predicting that the first unit would be operational in March 2007, instead of the original target of December 2007.<ref name="frontline1"/> | Construction began on 31 March 2002, with the [[Nuclear Power Corporation of India|Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd]] (NPCIL) predicting that the first unit would be operational in March 2007, instead of the original target of December 2007.<ref name="frontline1"/> | ||
A small [[port]] became operational in Kudankulam on 14 January 2004. This port was established to receive [[barge]]s carrying over-sized [[light water reactor]] equipment from ships anchored at a distance of {{convert|1.5|km}}. Until 2004, materials had to be brought in via road from the port of [[Thoothukudi]], risking damage during transportation.<ref name="koodam4">{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/01/17/stories/2004011700940600.htm|title=The Hindu Business Line : Kudankulam port becomes operational|website=www.thehindubusinessline.com}}</ref> In 2008, negotiations on building four additional reactors at the site began. Though the capacity of these reactors had not been declared, it was expected that the capacity of each reactor will be 1,200 MW (1.2 GW).<ref>{{cite news | url = http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-31900120080212 | title = Russia, India edge closer to major nuclear deal | author = Dmitry Sergeev | work = Reuters | date = 1 February 2008 | access-date =1 February 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://in.news.yahoo.com/43/20081203/884/twl-india-russia-to-sign-deal-on-new-nuc_1.html | title = India, Russia to sign deal on new nuclear reactors | access-date=3 December 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206080407/http://in.news.yahoo.com/43/20081203/884/twl-india-russia-to-sign-deal-on-new-nuc_1.html |archive-date=6 December 2008 }}</ref> The new reactors would bring the total capacity of the power plant to 6,800 MW (6.8 GW). | A small [[port]] became operational in Kudankulam on 14 January 2004. This port was established to receive [[barge]]s carrying over-sized [[light water reactor]] equipment from ships anchored at a distance of {{convert|1.5|km}}. Until 2004, materials had to be brought in via road from the port of [[Thoothukudi]], risking damage during transportation.<ref name="koodam4">{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/01/17/stories/2004011700940600.htm|title=The Hindu Business Line : Kudankulam port becomes operational|website=www.thehindubusinessline.com}}</ref> In 2008, negotiations on building four additional reactors at the site began. Though the capacity of these reactors had not been declared, it was expected that the capacity of each reactor will be 1,200 MW (1.2 GW).<ref>{{cite news | url = http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-31900120080212 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080215005841/http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-31900120080212 | url-status = dead | archive-date = 15 February 2008 | title = Russia, India edge closer to major nuclear deal | author = Dmitry Sergeev | work = Reuters | date = 1 February 2008 | access-date =1 February 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://in.news.yahoo.com/43/20081203/884/twl-india-russia-to-sign-deal-on-new-nuc_1.html | title = India, Russia to sign deal on new nuclear reactors | access-date=3 December 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206080407/http://in.news.yahoo.com/43/20081203/884/twl-india-russia-to-sign-deal-on-new-nuc_1.html |archive-date=6 December 2008 }}</ref> The new reactors would bring the total capacity of the power plant to 6,800 MW (6.8 GW). These reactors never entered the planning phase after being proposed, mostly due to protests and due to other reasons. No such units are currently planned or under construction. | ||
The ground-breaking ceremony for construction of third and fourth units was performed on 17 February 2016 and [[AERB]] authorised the first pour of concrete on 19 June 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://zeenews.india.com/news/tamil-nadu/bhoomi-pooja-performed-for-kudankulam-3rd-4th-units_1856550.html |title = Bhoomi pooja performed for Kudankulam 3rd, 4th units |publisher = Zee Media Corporation Ltd. |date = 17 February 2016 | access-date = 18 February 2016}}</ref> Construction of the third and fourth units started on 29 June 2017.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url= | The ground-breaking ceremony for construction of third and fourth units was performed on 17 February 2016 and [[AERB]] authorised the first pour of concrete on 19 June 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://zeenews.india.com/news/tamil-nadu/bhoomi-pooja-performed-for-kudankulam-3rd-4th-units_1856550.html |title = Bhoomi pooja performed for Kudankulam 3rd, 4th units |publisher = Zee Media Corporation Ltd. |date = 17 February 2016 | access-date = 18 February 2016}}</ref> Construction of the third and fourth units started on 29 June 2017.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=2024-12-11 |title=KUDANKULAM-4 |url=https://pris.iaea.org/PRIS/CountryStatistics/ReactorDetails.aspx?current=1060 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211211107/https://pris.iaea.org/PRIS/CountryStatistics/ReactorDetails.aspx?current=1060 |archive-date=2024-12-11 |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=}}</ref> AERB granted excavation permit for Unit 5 and 6 in 14 November 2018 and concerete pour begun in 2020.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Singh|first1=Surendra|title=Make in India push: India likely to produce nuclear fuel with Russia's help|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/make-in-india-push-india-likely-to-produce-n-fuel-with-russias-help/articleshow/70982319.cms|access-date=24 September 2019|website=The Times of India|date=5 September 2019 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="aerb_56">{{cite web |title=e-Newsletter, October – December 2018 |url=https://www.aerb.gov.in/images/PDF/e-Newsletter-Oct-Dec-2018-R7.pdf |website=Atomic Energy Regulatory Board |access-date=16 April 2021}}</ref><ref name="fpc_34">{{cite web|date=23 June 2017|title=AERB grants FPC clearance for Kudankulam units 3 and 4|url=https://www.aerb.gov.in/storage/images/PDF/p23062017.pdf|access-date=16 April 2021|website=Atomic Energy Regulatory Board}}</ref> Construction of units 5 and 6 commenced on 29 June 2021. Unit 5 is expected to be ready for commissioning in December 2026, while unit 6 is expected to be ready by September 2027. | ||
===Cyber-attack=== | ===Cyber-attack=== | ||
In 2019, NPCIL confirmed identification of [[malware]] in the internet connected administrative network but said that the critical internal network was [[Air gap (networking)|isolated]]. | In 2019, NPCIL confirmed identification of [[malware]] in the internet connected administrative network but said that the critical internal network was [[Air gap (networking)|isolated]]. KKNPP officials had earlier termed reports on the [[Cyberattack|cyber attack]] as false. The malware was linked to the [[North Korea]] based [[Lazarus Group]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/confirmed-north-korean-malware-found-on-indian-nuclear-plants-network/|title=Confirmed: North Korean malware found on Indian nuclear plant's network|date=30 October 2019|newspaper=[[ZDNet]]}}</ref> | ||
== Contract Details == | |||
Rosatom has been awarded the Engineering and Procurement (EP) contract for the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, with the Indian side responsible for the construction and commissioning.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2024-09-03 |title=Rosatom issues clarification on Rooppur plant; says it never discloses project cost |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/rosatom-issues-clarification-rooppur-plant-cost-says-it-never-discloses-project-expenses |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240911170527/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/rosatom-issues-clarification-rooppur-plant-cost-says-it-never-discloses-project-expenses |archive-date=2024-09-11 |access-date=2025-05-08 |website=The Business Standard |language=en}}</ref> This differs from the contract Rosatom was awarded in Bangladesh for [[Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant]], which encompassed [[Engineering, procurement, and construction|Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC)]] as well as the commissioning of the plant.<ref name=":4" /> | |||
The Indian firm [[Larsen & Toubro|Larsen and Toubro]] has been awarded the construction contract, which includes the development of the reactor building, reactor auxiliary building, turbine building, diesel generator building, and other buildings associated with safety.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-02-18 |title=L&T Construction to build two units of Kudankulam nuclear power project |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/lt-construction-to-build-two-units-of-kudankulam-nuclear-power-project-11613627437494.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250508091512/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/lt-construction-to-build-two-units-of-kudankulam-nuclear-power-project-11613627437494.html |archive-date=2025-05-08 |access-date=2025-05-08 |work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]]}}</ref> | |||
==Design and specification== | ==Design and specification== | ||
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| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160721014654/http://www.rosatom.ru/upload/iblock/0be/0be1220af25741375138ecd1afb18743.pdf | | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160721014654/http://www.rosatom.ru/upload/iblock/0be/0be1220af25741375138ecd1afb18743.pdf | ||
| archive-date=21 July 2016| url-status = live | | archive-date=21 July 2016| url-status = live | ||
| access-date = 21 July 2016}}</ref> Construction is by NPCIL and [[Atomstroyexport]]. | | access-date = 21 July 2016}}</ref> Construction is by NPCIL and [[Atomstroyexport]]. The plant is the largest nuclear power generation complex in India producing a cumulative 2 GW of electric power.<ref name="companyname">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/10/12/stories/2008101251200100.htm|title=NPCIL to go into details with 4 reactor suppliers}}</ref> Both units are water-cooled, water-moderated [[Pressurized water reactors]].<ref name="reactypes">{{cite web|url=http://www.icjt.org/npp/podrobnosti.php?drzava=11&lokacija=628|title=Nuclear Power Plant Type|access-date=28 March 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070320083312/http://www.icjt.org/npp/podrobnosti.php?drzava=11&lokacija=628|archive-date=20 March 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=npcil-kun12>{{cite web| url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/koodankulam-to-start-production-in-40-days/940736/|title= Koodankulam to start production in 40 days|date= 24 April 2012}}</ref><ref name=wnn-kudankulam>{{cite web | ||
| url = http://www.npcil.nic.in/kapp.asp | | url = http://www.npcil.nic.in/kapp.asp | ||
| title = Kudankulam Atomic Power Project 1 & 2 and | | title = Kudankulam Atomic Power Project 1 & 2 and | ||
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==Operations== | ==Operations== | ||
The first reactor of the plant attained criticality on 13 July 2013 and was connected to the grid three months later.<ref name="indiatimes1">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kudankulam-nuclear-plant-goes-critical/articleshow/21061780.cms |title=Kudankulam nuclear plant goes critical |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=2013-07-14 |access-date=2013-07-14}} {{cite web|url=http://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news/birds-started-nesting-in-area-surrounding-npp-of-kudankulam-5770977289_1.html|title=Birds started nesting in area surrounding NPP of Kudankulam|date=2 September 2013|publisher=India Info Online|access-date=10 October 2014}}</ref><ref name=":1"> | The first reactor of the plant attained criticality on 13 July 2013 and was connected to the grid three months later.<ref name="indiatimes1">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kudankulam-nuclear-plant-goes-critical/articleshow/21061780.cms |title=Kudankulam nuclear plant goes critical |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=2013-07-14 |access-date=2013-07-14}} {{cite web|url=http://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news/birds-started-nesting-in-area-surrounding-npp-of-kudankulam-5770977289_1.html|title=Birds started nesting in area surrounding NPP of Kudankulam|date=2 September 2013|publisher=India Info Online|access-date=10 October 2014}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-12-11 |title=KUDANKULAM-1 |url=https://pris.iaea.org/PRIS/CountryStatistics/ReactorDetails.aspx?current=852 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211211027/https://pris.iaea.org/PRIS/CountryStatistics/ReactorDetails.aspx?current=852 |archive-date=2024-12-11 |access-date=2024-12-11}}</ref> It started commercial operation from 31 December 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Kudankulam-reactor-attains-full-capacity/article11640228.ece|title=Kudankulam reactor attains full capacity|first=A.|last=Sudhakar|newspaper=The Hindu |date=7 June 2014|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> The second unit achieved criticality on 10 July 2016 and was connected to the grid in August.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-g-n/india.aspx |title=Nuclear Power in India | Indian Nuclear Energy - World Nuclear Association |access-date=2016-09-06 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160906112259/http://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-g-n/india.aspx |archive-date= 6 September 2016 }}</ref> Commercial operation started on 15 October 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ria.ru/20161015/1479295038.html|title=Путин и Моди запустили второй энергоблок АЭС "Куданкулам"|date=15 October 2016|website=РИА Новости}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{cite web |date=2024-12-11 |title=KUDANKULAM-2 |url=https://pris.iaea.org/PRIS/CountryStatistics/ReactorDetails.aspx?current=853 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241211210239/https://pris.iaea.org/PRIS/CountryStatistics/ReactorDetails.aspx?current=853 |archive-date=2024-12-11 |access-date=2024-12-11 |website= |publisher=}}</ref> | ||
The [[Kerala State Electricity Board]] (KSEB) board members have approved signing of a [[power purchase agreement]] (PPA) with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) for sourcing electricity from the Kudankulam nuclear power project (KKNPP). | The [[Kerala State Electricity Board]] (KSEB) board members have approved signing of a [[power purchase agreement]] (PPA) with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) for sourcing electricity from the Kudankulam nuclear power project (KKNPP). | ||
Unit 1 was shut down in June 2015 for refuelling and annual maintenance. On 21 January 2016 the reactor restarted and was connected to grid on 30 January | Unit 1 was shut down in June 2015 for refuelling and annual maintenance. On 21 January 2016, the reactor restarted and was connected to grid on 30 January.<ref>{{cite news | ||
| url =http://www.ndtv.com/tamil-nadu-news/kudankulam-nuclear-plant-restarts-generation-1277488 | | url =http://www.ndtv.com/tamil-nadu-news/kudankulam-nuclear-plant-restarts-generation-1277488 | ||
| title=Kudankulam Nuclear-Plant Restarts Generation | | title=Kudankulam Nuclear-Plant Restarts Generation | ||
| work=NDTV | date=15 February 2016 | access-date=18 February 2016}}</ref> | | work=NDTV | date=15 February 2016 | access-date=18 February 2016}}</ref> | ||
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project Site Director D.S. Choudhary stated on 26 January 2018 that units 1 and 2 of the nuclear plant had generated a combined total of 22,800 million units since they began functioning.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kudankulam nuclear reactors generated 22,800 million units|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/kudankulam-nuclear-reactors-generated-22800-million-units/article22539654.ece|website=The Hindu|access-date=19 February 2018|language=en-IN|date=28 January 2018}}</ref> | Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project Site Director D. S. Choudhary stated on 26 January 2018 that units 1 and 2 of the nuclear plant had generated a combined total of 22,800 million units since they began functioning.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kudankulam nuclear reactors generated 22,800 million units|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/kudankulam-nuclear-reactors-generated-22800-million-units/article22539654.ece|website=The Hindu|access-date=19 February 2018|language=en-IN|date=28 January 2018}}</ref> | ||
In October 2025, the Central electricity regulatory body granted permission to NPCIL to use 50MWe from Units 1 and 2 for the commissioning of units 3 and 4. According to the plant director, unit 3 is expected to be commissioned in 2026. | |||
==Opposition== | ==Opposition== | ||
People had been opposing the plant since its proposal in 1979. The proposal however, was halted because of the protests. It was brought back in 2000, and construction started under the government of [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/a-decade-on-kudankulam-nuclear-plant-protesters-say-still-face-ordeal-101654455406226.html | title=A decade on, Kudankulam nuclear plant protesters say still face ordeal | date=6 June 2022 }}</ref> | People had been opposing the plant since its proposal in 1979. The proposal however, was halted because of the protests. It was brought back in 2000, and construction started under the government of [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/a-decade-on-kudankulam-nuclear-plant-protesters-say-still-face-ordeal-101654455406226.html | title=A decade on, Kudankulam nuclear plant protesters say still face ordeal | date=6 June 2022 }}</ref> | ||
In 2011, thousands from the vicinity of the plant protested against it, fearing a nuclear disaster, in the wake of the [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster]]<ref name=nzh11>{{cite web |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/environment/news/article.cfm?c_id=39&objectid=10762102 |title=Indian activists fear nuclear plant accident |author=Rahul Bedi |date=28 October 2011 |work= | In 2011, thousands from the vicinity of the plant protested against it, fearing a nuclear disaster, in the wake of the [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster]]<ref name=nzh11>{{cite web |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/environment/news/article.cfm?c_id=39&objectid=10762102 |title=Indian activists fear nuclear plant accident |author=Rahul Bedi |date=28 October 2011 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] }}</ref> According to the protesters, evacuation of people in the event of a nuclear disaster would be impossible.<ref name="sathishmls1">{{cite web|url=https://www.transcend.org/tms/2011/08/thirteen-reasons-why-we-do-not-want-the-koodankulam-nuclear-power-project/|title=Thirteen Reasons Why We Do Not Want the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Project|website=TRANSCEND Media Service}}</ref> According to S P Udayakumar, of the [[People's Movement Against Nuclear Energy]], "the nuclear plant is unsafe". However, in 2012, the chief of India's nuclear energy programme, Dr [[Srikumar Banerjee]], called the plant "one of the safest" in the world.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/south/kudankulam-one-of-safest-reactors-lanka-s-fears-unfounded-india-s-nuclear-chief-196617 | title=Kudankulam one of safest reactors, Lanka's fears unfounded: India's nuclear chief | work=NDTV | date=12 April 2012 | access-date=3 October 2013}}</ref> In December 2012, ''[[The Hindu]]'' reported that hundreds of villagers in the region were largely ignorant of the risks and benefits of the plant.<ref name="Hindu Fear ignorance">{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/at-kudankulams-core-is-fear-ignorance-and-anger/article4154421.ece | title=At Kudankulam's core is fear, ignorance and anger | date=2 December 2012 | access-date=22 October 2013}}</ref> | ||
A | A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in 2011 with the [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]] asking for nuclear power development to be delayed until safety concerns were independently assessed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.asiasentinel.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3889&Itemid=614 |title=India's Rising Nuclear Safety Concerns |author=Siddharth Srivastava |date=27 October 2011 |work=Asia Sentinel |access-date=28 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004215238/http://www.asiasentinel.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3889&Itemid=614 |archive-date=4 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://insideclimatenews.org/news/20111024/india-nuclear-energy-expansion-grassroots-uprising-jaitapur-maharashtra-tamil-nadu-west-bengal-fukushima |title=Prospects Dim for India's Nuclear Power Expansion as Grassroots Uprising Spreads |author=Ranjit Devraj |date=25 October 2011 |work=Inside Climate News }}</ref> In May 2013, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the plant, stating that the nuclear power plant was in the larger public interest.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/south/kudankulam-verdict-for-this-village-renewed-protests-or-tacit-acceptance-363471 | title=Kudankulam verdict: for this village, renewed protests or tacit acceptance | work=NDTV | date=6 May 2013 | access-date=3 October 2013}}</ref> | ||
In March 2012, nearly 200 [[anti-nuclear]] protesters were detained for a few hours by the police. The protesters were set to join protests objecting resumption of work of one of two 1 GW reactors, a day after the local government restarted work on the project.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20120320-nearly-200-arrested-india-nuclear-protest |title=Nearly 200 arrested in India nuclear protest |date=20 March 2012 |work=France24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531034131/http://www.france24.com/en/20120320-nearly-200-arrested-india-nuclear-protest |archive-date=31 May 2012 }}</ref> | In March 2012, nearly 200 [[anti-nuclear]] protesters were detained for a few hours by the police. The protesters were set to join protests objecting resumption of work of one of two 1 GW reactors, a day after the local government restarted work on the project.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20120320-nearly-200-arrested-india-nuclear-protest |title=Nearly 200 arrested in India nuclear protest |date=20 March 2012 |work=France24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531034131/http://www.france24.com/en/20120320-nearly-200-arrested-india-nuclear-protest |archive-date=31 May 2012 }}</ref> | ||
| Line 129: | Line 143: | ||
===Response from officials=== | ===Response from officials=== | ||
Former chairman of [[Atomic Energy Commission of India]] Srinivasan said, "The Fukushima plant was built on a beach-front, but the Kudankulam was constructed on a solid terrain and that too keeping all the safety aspects in mind. Also, we are not in a tsunami prone area. The plants in Kudankulam have a double containment system which can withstand high pressure. At least {{Indian Rupee}} 14,000 crore has been spent. If we don't operate the plant immediately, it will affect the economic stability of our country".<ref>{{cite web |url= | Former chairman of [[Atomic Energy Commission of India]] Srinivasan said, "The Fukushima plant was built on a beach-front, but the Kudankulam was constructed on a solid terrain and that too keeping all the safety aspects in mind. Also, we are not in a tsunami prone area. The plants in Kudankulam have a double containment system which can withstand high pressure. At least {{Indian Rupee}} 14,000 crore has been spent. If we don't operate the plant immediately, it will affect the economic stability of our country".<ref>{{cite web |url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Kudankulam-plant-is-safe-Srinivasan/articleshow/10722534.cms|archive-url= https://archive.today/20120718093302/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-14/chennai/30397314_1_kudankulam-fukushima-nuclear-power|url-status= live|archive-date= 18 July 2012|work= [[The Times of India]]|title= Kudankulam plant is safe: Srinivasan |date=14 November 2011 }}</ref> | ||
A centre panel constituted by the Government of India, which did a survey of the safety features in the plant, vouched for the safety of the Kudankulam reactors. Dr Muthunayagam, who headed the panel, said that the protesters asked for some documents which are not related to the safety of the reactor.<ref name="thehindu.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article2640076.ece|title= Kudankulam reactors safest: Central panel|date=19 November 2011 |work=The Hindu }}</ref> Nuclear scientist and principal scientific adviser to the federal Government of India [[Rajagopala Chidambaram]] has said "We have learnt lessons from the Fukushima nuclear accident, particularly on the post-shut-down cooling system", and also added Fukushima nuclear accident should not deter or inhibit India from pursuing a safe civil nuclear programme.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2947436.ece |title= R. Chidambaram bats for Kudankulam |date=12 March 2012 |work=The Hindu }}</ref> | A centre panel constituted by the Government of India, which did a survey of the safety features in the plant, vouched for the safety of the Kudankulam reactors. Dr Muthunayagam, who headed the panel, said that the protesters asked for some documents which are not related to the safety of the reactor.<ref name="thehindu.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article2640076.ece|title= Kudankulam reactors safest: Central panel|date=19 November 2011 |work=The Hindu }}</ref> Nuclear scientist and principal scientific adviser to the federal Government of India [[Rajagopala Chidambaram]] has said "We have learnt lessons from the Fukushima nuclear accident, particularly on the post-shut-down cooling system", and also added Fukushima nuclear accident should not deter or inhibit India from pursuing a safe civil nuclear programme.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2947436.ece |title= R. Chidambaram bats for Kudankulam |date=12 March 2012 |work=The Hindu }}</ref> | ||
| Line 150: | Line 164: | ||
| Puducherry || 67 MW | | Puducherry || 67 MW | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | For commissioning of units 3 and 4 || 50 MW | ||
|- | |||
| Unallotted || 250 MW | |||
|- | |- | ||
| Total || 2,000 MW | | Total || 2,000 MW | ||
|} | |} | ||
As of | As of 1 December 2021, the government is considering to increase its capability to 6,000 MW, on completion of KKNPP-3 & 4 (2 x 1,000 MW) and KKNPP-5 & 6 (2 x 1,000 MW) which are presently under construction. | ||
==Kudankulam Alley== | ==Kudankulam Alley== | ||
| Line 160: | Line 176: | ||
== Units == | == Units == | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {{mw-datatable}} | ||
!Unit | {| class="wikitable sortable mw-datatable" | ||
! | ! rowspan="2" |Phase | ||
! | ! rowspan="2" |Unit<br/>No. | ||
!Construction start | ! colspan="2" |Reactor | ||
! | ! rowspan="2" |Status | ||
!Notes | ! colspan="2" |Capacity in MWe | ||
! rowspan="2" |Construction start | |||
! rowspan="2" |First [[Criticality (status)|criticality]] | |||
! rowspan="2" |Grid Connection | |||
! rowspan="2" |Commercial operation | |||
! rowspan="2" |Closure | |||
! rowspan="2" |Notes | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | ! Type ||Model ||Net ||Gross | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | rowspan="2"| I | ||
|[[VVER#VVER-1000|VVER-1000]] | |1 | ||
|1000 | |[[Pressurized water reactor|PWR]] || [[VVER#VVER-1000|VVER-1000]] | ||
|{{yes|Operational}} | |||
|917 ||1000 | |||
|31 March 2002 | |31 March 2002 | ||
|13 July 2013 | |||
|22 October 2013 | |22 October 2013 | ||
|31 December 2014 | |||
| {{N/A}} | |||
|<ref name=":1" /> | |<ref name=":1" /> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |2 | ||
|[[ | |[[Pressurized water reactor|PWR]] ||[[VVER-1000]] | ||
|1000 | |{{yes|Operational}} | ||
|31 March | |917 ||1000 | ||
| | |4 July 2002 | ||
|10 July 2016 | |||
|29 August 2016 | |||
|31 March 2017 | |||
| {{N/A}} | |||
|<ref name=":2" /> | |<ref name=":2" /> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | rowspan="2"| II | ||
| | |3 | ||
| | |[[Pressurized water reactor|PWR]] ||[[VVER|VVER-1000]] | ||
|[[VVER | |{{partial|Under Construction}} | ||
|1000 | |917||1000 | ||
|29 June 2017 | |29 June 2017 | ||
| | | {{N/A}} | ||
| {{N/A}} | |||
| 2026(planned) | |||
| {{N/A}} | |||
|<ref name=":0" /> | |<ref name=":0" /> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |4 | ||
|[[ | |[[Pressurized water reactor|PWR]] ||[[VVER-1000]] | ||
|1000 | |{{partial|Under Construction}} | ||
| | |917||1000 | ||
| | |23 October 2017 | ||
| {{N/A}} | |||
| {{N/A}} | |||
| {{N/A}} | |||
| {{N/A}} | |||
|<ref name=":0" /> | |<ref name=":0" /> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | rowspan="2"| III | ||
|[[ | |5 | ||
|1000 | |[[Pressurized water reactor|PWR]] ||[[VVER-1000]] | ||
| | |{{partial|Under Construction}} | ||
| | |917||1000 | ||
|29 June 2021 | |||
| {{N/A}} | |||
| {{N/A}} | |||
| {{N/A}} | |||
| {{N/A}} | |||
| rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-06-30|title=Construction of Kudankulam nuclear reactors 5 and 6 begins|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/construction-of-kudankulam-nuclear-reactors-5-and-6-begins/article35046691.ece|access-date=2021-06-30|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> | | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-06-30|title=Construction of Kudankulam nuclear reactors 5 and 6 begins|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/construction-of-kudankulam-nuclear-reactors-5-and-6-begins/article35046691.ece|access-date=2021-06-30|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |6 | ||
|[[ | |[[Pressurized water reactor|PWR]] || [[VVER-1000]] | ||
|1000 | |{{partial|Under Construction}} | ||
| | |917 || 1000 | ||
| | |20 December 2021 | ||
| {{N/A}} | |||
| {{N/A}} | |||
| {{N/A}} | |||
| {{N/A}} | |||
|} | |} | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
{{Portal|India|Nuclear technology|Energy}} | |||
* [[Nuclear Power Corporation of India]] | * [[Nuclear Power Corporation of India]] | ||
* [[Nuclear power in India]] | * [[Nuclear power in India]] | ||
Latest revision as of 10:36, 8 February 2026
| Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Lua error in Module:Infobox_mapframe at line 197: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
| Country | India |
| Coordinates | 8°10′08″N 77°42′45″E / 8.16889°N 77.71250°E |
| Construction began | Unit 1: 31 March 2002 Unit 2: 4 July 2002 Units 3 & 4: 29 June 2017 Unit 5: 29 June 2021 Unit 6: 20 December 2021 |
| Commission date | Unit 1: 22 October 2013 Unit 2: 15 October 2016 |
| Construction cost | Units 1 & 2: ₹22,462 crore (US$4.76 billion) in 2001 prices[1] Units 3 & 4: ₹39,849 crore (US$6.12 billion) in 2017 prices |
| Owner(s) | Nuclear Power Corporation of India |
| Nuclear power station | |
| Reactors | 6 |
| Reactor type | PWR |
| Reactor supplier | Rosatom |
| Cooling source | Laccadive Sea |
| Thermal capacity | 2 × 3000 MWth |
| Power generation | |
| Script error: No such module "Infobox power station". | |
| Nameplate capacity | 2000 MW |
| Capacity factor | 68.27% (2020–21)[2] |
| Annual net output | |
| External links | |
| Website | Nuclear Power Corporation of India |
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (or Kudankulam NPP or KKNPP) is the largest[5] nuclear power station in India, situated in Kudankulam in the Tirunelveli district of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Construction on the plant began on 31 March 2002,[6] but faced several delays due to opposition from local fishermen.[7][8] KKNPP is scheduled to have six VVER-1000 reactors built in collaboration with Atomstroyexport, the Russian state company and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), with an installed capacity of 6,000 MW of electricity.[9]
Unit 1 was synchronized with the southern power grid on 22 October 2013 and since then, has been generating electricity at its warranted limit of 1,000 MW.[10]
The original cost of the two units was ₹ 13,171 crore, but it was later revised to ₹ 17,270 crore.[11] The cost was revised again to ₹22,462 crore ($4.76 billion in USD 2001) in 2014 due to increased expenses related to Interest During Construction (IDC), labor costs, operational expenses, and the deployment of Russian specialists at Kudankulam.[11]
Russia advanced a credit of ₹ 6,416 crore (US$0.97 billion) for both the units.[12] Unit 2 attained criticality on 10 July 2016 and was synchronized with the electricity grid on August 29 of the same year.[13]
In 2015, Nuclear Power Corporation Ltd (NPCIL) announced a price of ₹ 4.29/kW·h (6.4 ¢/kW·h) for energy delivered from Kudankulam nuclear power plant.[14]
The ground-breaking ceremony for construction of units 3 & 4 was performed on 17 February 2016. Due to technology changes, inflation and insistence of the supplier and operator for additional liability insurance the construction cost of units 3 & 4 amounted to twice the cost of units 1 & 2 and was later revised to be ₹39,849 crore (US$6.12 billion).[15][16][17] A budget of ₹49,621 crore (US$7.05 billion) has been approved for construction of Units 5 & 6.[15]
History[edit | edit source]
Background[edit | edit source]
An intergovernmental agreement (IGA) on the project was signed on 20 November 1988 by the Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi and the Soviet head of state, Mikhail Gorbachev, for the construction of two reactors. The project remained in limbo for a decade due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.[9] There were also objections from the United States, on the grounds that the agreement did not meet the 1992 terms of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).[18] M. R. Srinivasan, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Chairman from 1987 to 1990, called the project "a non-starter". However, the project was revived on 21 June 1998.[9]
Construction[edit | edit source]
Construction began on 31 March 2002, with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) predicting that the first unit would be operational in March 2007, instead of the original target of December 2007.[9]
A small port became operational in Kudankulam on 14 January 2004. This port was established to receive barges carrying over-sized light water reactor equipment from ships anchored at a distance of 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi). Until 2004, materials had to be brought in via road from the port of Thoothukudi, risking damage during transportation.[19] In 2008, negotiations on building four additional reactors at the site began. Though the capacity of these reactors had not been declared, it was expected that the capacity of each reactor will be 1,200 MW (1.2 GW).[20][21] The new reactors would bring the total capacity of the power plant to 6,800 MW (6.8 GW). These reactors never entered the planning phase after being proposed, mostly due to protests and due to other reasons. No such units are currently planned or under construction.
The ground-breaking ceremony for construction of third and fourth units was performed on 17 February 2016 and AERB authorised the first pour of concrete on 19 June 2017.[22] Construction of the third and fourth units started on 29 June 2017.[23] AERB granted excavation permit for Unit 5 and 6 in 14 November 2018 and concerete pour begun in 2020.[24][25][26] Construction of units 5 and 6 commenced on 29 June 2021. Unit 5 is expected to be ready for commissioning in December 2026, while unit 6 is expected to be ready by September 2027.
Cyber-attack[edit | edit source]
In 2019, NPCIL confirmed identification of malware in the internet connected administrative network but said that the critical internal network was isolated. KKNPP officials had earlier termed reports on the cyber attack as false. The malware was linked to the North Korea based Lazarus Group.[27]
Contract Details[edit | edit source]
Rosatom has been awarded the Engineering and Procurement (EP) contract for the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, with the Indian side responsible for the construction and commissioning.[28] This differs from the contract Rosatom was awarded in Bangladesh for Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, which encompassed Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) as well as the commissioning of the plant.[28]
The Indian firm Larsen and Toubro has been awarded the construction contract, which includes the development of the reactor building, reactor auxiliary building, turbine building, diesel generator building, and other buildings associated with safety.[29]
Design and specification[edit | edit source]
The reactors are pressurised water reactor of Russian design, model VVER-1000/V-412 referred also as AES-92. Thermal capacity is 3,000 MW, gross electrical capacity is 1,000 MW with a net capacity of 917 MW.[30] Construction is by NPCIL and Atomstroyexport. The plant is the largest nuclear power generation complex in India producing a cumulative 2 GW of electric power.[31] Both units are water-cooled, water-moderated Pressurized water reactors.[32][33][34][35]
Operations[edit | edit source]
The first reactor of the plant attained criticality on 13 July 2013 and was connected to the grid three months later.[36][37] It started commercial operation from 31 December 2014.[38] The second unit achieved criticality on 10 July 2016 and was connected to the grid in August.[39] Commercial operation started on 15 October 2016.[40][41]
The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) board members have approved signing of a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) for sourcing electricity from the Kudankulam nuclear power project (KKNPP).
Unit 1 was shut down in June 2015 for refuelling and annual maintenance. On 21 January 2016, the reactor restarted and was connected to grid on 30 January.[42]
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project Site Director D. S. Choudhary stated on 26 January 2018 that units 1 and 2 of the nuclear plant had generated a combined total of 22,800 million units since they began functioning.[43]
In October 2025, the Central electricity regulatory body granted permission to NPCIL to use 50MWe from Units 1 and 2 for the commissioning of units 3 and 4. According to the plant director, unit 3 is expected to be commissioned in 2026.
Opposition[edit | edit source]
People had been opposing the plant since its proposal in 1979. The proposal however, was halted because of the protests. It was brought back in 2000, and construction started under the government of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.[44]
In 2011, thousands from the vicinity of the plant protested against it, fearing a nuclear disaster, in the wake of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster[45] According to the protesters, evacuation of people in the event of a nuclear disaster would be impossible.[46] According to S P Udayakumar, of the People's Movement Against Nuclear Energy, "the nuclear plant is unsafe". However, in 2012, the chief of India's nuclear energy programme, Dr Srikumar Banerjee, called the plant "one of the safest" in the world.[47] In December 2012, The Hindu reported that hundreds of villagers in the region were largely ignorant of the risks and benefits of the plant.[48]
A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in 2011 with the Supreme Court asking for nuclear power development to be delayed until safety concerns were independently assessed.[49][50] In May 2013, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the plant, stating that the nuclear power plant was in the larger public interest.[51]
In March 2012, nearly 200 anti-nuclear protesters were detained for a few hours by the police. The protesters were set to join protests objecting resumption of work of one of two 1 GW reactors, a day after the local government restarted work on the project.[52]
There have also been rallies and protests in favour of commissioning this nuclear power plant.[53][54]
On, 24 February 2012, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh blamed foreign NGOs for protests at the power plant. News agencies reported that three NGOs had diverted donations earmarked for religious and social causes to the protests, in violation of foreign exchange regulations.[55][56]
Supporters of the power plant in Idinthakarai village have been targeted by opponents using improvised explosive devices.[57]
The Church of South India and the National Council of Churches opposed the power plant and supported the protests against it.[58] Supporters of the power plant and the government have alleged that the protest against the power plant was instigated by churches and funded by foreign sources. The protestors dismissed the allegation of foreign funding, but said that seeking support from church was "natural" as many protestors were Christian localities living in the vicinity of the Reactor.[59]
Response from officials[edit | edit source]
Former chairman of Atomic Energy Commission of India Srinivasan said, "The Fukushima plant was built on a beach-front, but the Kudankulam was constructed on a solid terrain and that too keeping all the safety aspects in mind. Also, we are not in a tsunami prone area. The plants in Kudankulam have a double containment system which can withstand high pressure. At least ₹ 14,000 crore has been spent. If we don't operate the plant immediately, it will affect the economic stability of our country".[60]
A centre panel constituted by the Government of India, which did a survey of the safety features in the plant, vouched for the safety of the Kudankulam reactors. Dr Muthunayagam, who headed the panel, said that the protesters asked for some documents which are not related to the safety of the reactor.[61] Nuclear scientist and principal scientific adviser to the federal Government of India Rajagopala Chidambaram has said "We have learnt lessons from the Fukushima nuclear accident, particularly on the post-shut-down cooling system", and also added Fukushima nuclear accident should not deter or inhibit India from pursuing a safe civil nuclear programme.[62]
The Tamil Nadu state government formed a four-member expert panel which submitted a report to the government after inspecting the safety features of the plant. The Tamil Nadu government in the wake of the acute power shortages in the state has ordered in favour of the commissioning of the plant.[63]
Allocation of power[edit | edit source]
Government of India announced the power allocation from the two units of the reactor on 29 August 2013.[64]
| Beneficiary | Power (MW) |
|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | 925 MW |
| Karnataka | 442 MW |
| Kerala | 266 MW |
| Puducherry | 67 MW |
| For commissioning of units 3 and 4 | 50 MW |
| Unallotted | 250 MW |
| Total | 2,000 MW |
As of 1 December 2021, the government is considering to increase its capability to 6,000 MW, on completion of KKNPP-3 & 4 (2 x 1,000 MW) and KKNPP-5 & 6 (2 x 1,000 MW) which are presently under construction.
Kudankulam Alley[edit | edit source]
The town council of Volgodonsk, Rostov Oblast named a lane located next to the Atommash plant as Kudankulam Alley in November 2018. The plant, which is owned by Rosatom, manufactures equipment for the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.[65]
Units[edit | edit source]
| Phase | Unit No. |
Reactor | Status | Capacity in MWe | Construction start | First criticality | Grid Connection | Commercial operation | Closure | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Model | Net | Gross | |||||||||
| I | 1 | PWR | VVER-1000 | Operational | 917 | 1000 | 31 March 2002 | 13 July 2013 | 22 October 2013 | 31 December 2014 | N/A | [37] |
| 2 | PWR | VVER-1000 | Operational | 917 | 1000 | 4 July 2002 | 10 July 2016 | 29 August 2016 | 31 March 2017 | N/A | [41] | |
| II | 3 | PWR | VVER-1000 | Under Construction | 917 | 1000 | 29 June 2017 | N/A | N/A | 2026(planned) | N/A | [23] |
| 4 | PWR | VVER-1000 | Under Construction | 917 | 1000 | 23 October 2017 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | [23] | |
| III | 5 | PWR | VVER-1000 | Under Construction | 917 | 1000 | 29 June 2021 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | [66] |
| 6 | PWR | VVER-1000 | Under Construction | 917 | 1000 | 20 December 2021 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Performance Audit on Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project, Units I and II (original link) | Archived link
- ↑ "Monthly Genration Reports Actual for Apr-2021 : Central Sector Nuclear" (PDF). National Power Portal. Central Electricity Authority. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
- ↑ PRIS - Unit 1 Statistics
- ↑ PRIS - Unit 2 Statistics
- ↑ "Construction of unit 5 & 6 of India's largest nuclear power plant in Kudankulam commences". WION. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
- ↑ "PRIS – Albert's-1 – Reactor Details". Iaea.org. 31 March 2002. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- ↑ "Commercial operation of Kudankulam plant delayed further". Business Standard. 13 January 2013. Retrieved 14 July 2013.
- ↑ "The professor and the politics in anti-nuclear crucible". Archived from the original on 22 March 2014.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Subramanian, T.S. (11 November 2016). "Kudankulam ready for more". Frontline. Retrieved 22 December 2016.
- ↑ "Wait for Kudankulam power ends; unit 1 linked to grid". Business Line. 22 October 2013. Retrieved 6 December 2013.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project, Units I and II" (PDF). Comptroller and Auditor General of India. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 October 2024. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
- ↑ "Ready to run". Frontline. 9 August 2013. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- ↑ "KUDANKULAM-2". 11 December 2024. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ B.Sivakumar (25 January 2015). "Kudankulam power to cost 4.29/unit". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 "Nuclear Power Plants". Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. Press Information Bureau. 11 March 2020. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
- ↑ "Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant: Cost of units 3, 4 surpasses Rs 39,000 crore". The Economic Times. 3 December 2014. Archived from the original on 10 March 2016. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
- ↑ "Kudankulam units 3, 4 cost more than doubles over liability issues". www.thehindu.com. The Hindu. 3 December 2014. Archived from the original on 3 December 2014. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
- ↑ Nuclear Exports to India from Russia Archived 1 April 2007 at the Wayback Machine
- ↑ "The Hindu Business Line : Kudankulam port becomes operational". www.thehindubusinessline.com.
- ↑ Dmitry Sergeev (1 February 2008). "Russia, India edge closer to major nuclear deal". Reuters. Archived from the original on 15 February 2008. Retrieved 1 February 2008.
- ↑ "India, Russia to sign deal on new nuclear reactors". Archived from the original on 6 December 2008. Retrieved 3 December 2008.
- ↑ "Bhoomi pooja performed for Kudankulam 3rd, 4th units". Zee Media Corporation Ltd. 17 February 2016. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 "KUDANKULAM-4". 11 December 2024. Archived from the original on 11 December 2024. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
- ↑ Singh, Surendra (5 September 2019). "Make in India push: India likely to produce nuclear fuel with Russia's help". The Times of India. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
- ↑ "e-Newsletter, October – December 2018" (PDF). Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
- ↑ "AERB grants FPC clearance for Kudankulam units 3 and 4" (PDF). Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. 23 June 2017. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
- ↑ "Confirmed: North Korean malware found on Indian nuclear plant's network". ZDNet. 30 October 2019.
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 "Rosatom issues clarification on Rooppur plant; says it never discloses project cost". The Business Standard. 3 September 2024. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ "L&T Construction to build two units of Kudankulam nuclear power project". Mint. 18 February 2021. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ "The VVER today – Evolution – Design – Safety" (PDF). www.rosatom.ru (PDF). Rosatom. 2014. pp. 11–12. Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 July 2016. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
- ↑ "NPCIL to go into details with 4 reactor suppliers".
- ↑ "Nuclear Power Plant Type". Archived from the original on 20 March 2007. Retrieved 28 March 2007.
- ↑ "Koodankulam to start production in 40 days". 24 April 2012.
- ↑ "Kudankulam Atomic Power Project 1 & 2 and". Archived from the original on 15 May 2008. Retrieved 1 June 2008.
- ↑ "History of the Kudankulam Project". Retrieved 28 March 2007.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ "Kudankulam nuclear plant goes critical". The Times of India. 14 July 2013. Retrieved 14 July 2013. "Birds started nesting in area surrounding NPP of Kudankulam". India Info Online. 2 September 2013. Retrieved 10 October 2014.
- ↑ 37.0 37.1 "KUDANKULAM-1". 11 December 2024. Archived from the original on 11 December 2024. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
- ↑ Sudhakar, A. (7 June 2014). "Kudankulam reactor attains full capacity". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
- ↑ "Nuclear Power in India | Indian Nuclear Energy - World Nuclear Association". Retrieved 6 September 2016.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ "Путин и Моди запустили второй энергоблок АЭС "Куданкулам"". РИА Новости. 15 October 2016.
- ↑ 41.0 41.1 "KUDANKULAM-2". 11 December 2024. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ "Kudankulam Nuclear-Plant Restarts Generation". NDTV. 15 February 2016. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ↑ "Kudankulam nuclear reactors generated 22,800 million units". The Hindu. 28 January 2018. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
- ↑ "A decade on, Kudankulam nuclear plant protesters say still face ordeal". 6 June 2022.
- ↑ Rahul Bedi (28 October 2011). "Indian activists fear nuclear plant accident". The New Zealand Herald.
- ↑ "Thirteen Reasons Why We Do Not Want the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Project". TRANSCEND Media Service.
- ↑ "Kudankulam one of safest reactors, Lanka's fears unfounded: India's nuclear chief". NDTV. 12 April 2012. Retrieved 3 October 2013.
- ↑ "At Kudankulam's core is fear, ignorance and anger". 2 December 2012. Retrieved 22 October 2013.
- ↑ Siddharth Srivastava (27 October 2011). "India's Rising Nuclear Safety Concerns". Asia Sentinel. Archived from the original on 4 October 2013. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
- ↑ Ranjit Devraj (25 October 2011). "Prospects Dim for India's Nuclear Power Expansion as Grassroots Uprising Spreads". Inside Climate News.
- ↑ "Kudankulam verdict: for this village, renewed protests or tacit acceptance". NDTV. 6 May 2013. Retrieved 3 October 2013.
- ↑ "Nearly 200 arrested in India nuclear protest". France24. 20 March 2012. Archived from the original on 31 May 2012.
- ↑ "Rally seeks power generation at Kudankulam plant". The Hindu. 16 February 2012.
- ↑ "Blood donation camp in support of N-plant". The Hindu. 24 February 2012.
- ↑ "5 NGOs diverted foreign funds to fuel Kudankulam stir". hindustantimes. 24 February 2012.
- ↑ "Kudankulam protests: 3 NGOs lose licence for diverting funds". Firstpost. 25 February 2012.
- ↑ Sudipto Mondal. "Explosions at village near Kudankulam plant: Reports". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 23 May 2014. Retrieved 11 December 2014.
- ↑ "Churches back Kudankulam stir". The Hindu. 22 November 2012.
- ↑ Roy, Biswajit; G. S. Mudur (9 February 2013). "The professor and the politics in anti-nuclear crucible". The Telegraph.
- ↑ "Kudankulam plant is safe: Srinivasan". The Times of India. 14 November 2011.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ "Kudankulam reactors safest: Central panel". The Hindu. 19 November 2011.
- ↑ "R. Chidambaram bats for Kudankulam". The Hindu. 12 March 2012.
- ↑ "Kudankulam nuclear power plant issue ends – India – DNA". Dnaindia.com. 19 March 2012. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
- ↑ Press Information Bureau English Releases. Pib.nic.in. Retrieved on 2013-12-06.
- ↑ "Now, a Kudankulam lane in Russia". The Week. Retrieved 27 April 2019.
- ↑ "Construction of Kudankulam nuclear reactors 5 and 6 begins". The Hindu. 30 June 2021. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 30 June 2021.