The first unit of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant was re-synchronised to the grid on Friday, and is now generating 210 MW of power, officials said.
The turbine of the reactor had been closed after a few hours of being synchronised with the grid on October 22 for carrying out tests and experiments. It was stated to have produced 160 MW of power during in its maiden test.
“The unit was re-synchronised on Friday and is now generating 210 MW which will gradually be raised. We at targetting to reach and stabilise at 410 MW at the earliest,” Nuclear Power Corporation Of India Limited (NPCIL) executive director (corporate planning and communications) N Nagaich told HT.
After reaching the 410 MW stage, he said, “We will hold this level for some time, carry out experiments and then seek permission for generating higher level of power. But during this time, we make similar closures. Power has to be raised gradually and it can take 2-3 months before it becomes fully commercially operational.”
“The initial closure was a normal process. The maiden test synchronisation marked generation of electricity and its supply to the grid. On re-synchronisation, the power will now be raised in phases to 50%, 75%, 90% and finally 100% after obtaining regular clearance at each stage,” he added.
Anti nuke activists, however, describe the whole process as misleading. Leader of People’s Movement Against Nuclear Energy, SP Udayakumar, who has been opposing the project, told HT, “They are simply trying to divert attention and please the Russians. What is happening at the KKNPP is mere testing and I have doubts if the project will ever see commercial production.”
{{/usCountry}}Anti nuke activists, however, describe the whole process as misleading. Leader of People’s Movement Against Nuclear Energy, SP Udayakumar, who has been opposing the project, told HT, “They are simply trying to divert attention and please the Russians. What is happening at the KKNPP is mere testing and I have doubts if the project will ever see commercial production.”
{{/usCountry}}