Preparations on for launching Kudankulam Unit-2 N-plant

New Delhi: Preparations are underway for operationalisation of the Unit-2 of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu and stage is set for construction of two more reactors of 1000 mw capacity each, according to Russian company Rosatom which is building the atomic power plant.

"The construction of the second power unit (Unit-2) has been completed at the NPP (Nuclear Power Plant) site and preparations for putting it into operation are underway," it said in response by email to queries from PTI on the status of the Kudankulam Unit-2.

It said the primary and secondary circuits of the second power unit (Unit-1) have successfully passed hydraulic tests, including circulation flushing, using parameters with the powering of the main circulation pumps.

"The second unit is scheduled to be connected to the grid in the fall of 2015," the company said about the unit whose commissioning has been put off four times so far.

With regard to Units 3 and 4, Rosatom said, "construction works are scheduled to start this year". Each of these units will be of 1000 mw capacity.

"The agreement of priority engineering works was already signed and is being successfully implemented for power Units 3 and 4," the company said.

The Units 2, 3 and 4 are part of "strategic vision" between India and Russia under which 12 nuclear power plants will be built and made operational over the next 20 years.

About the Unit-1, which is already operational, the company said it is the "most powerful" reactor in India and "meets the state-of-the-art safety requirements".

To a question about the status of another nuclear plant proposed to be set up by Russia, for which Haripur in West Bengal was identified by India, but has been delayed because of objections by the locals, it said local political situation should be taken into consideration.

"Haripur is one of the sites proposed for construction of nuclear power units with Russian reactors. The Russian party has confirmed its willingness to build nuclear plant in Haripur. However, local political situation should be kept in mind," it replied.

Asked to comment on an agreement between India and Canada

for supply of uranium a few months back, the Russian company said it will help India diversify its sources of uranium and achieve its scheduled objectives.

Citing the data of Atomic Energy Commission of India, it said India is facing nuclear fuel deficiency and will need to import more than 5,000 tonnes of uranium by 2017.

Currently, India produces about 400 tonnes of uranium per year and as per the plans, the country intends to double production in the medium term.