Kudankulam Nuclear Plant Crosses 1.30 Lakh Million Units, Sets Record
The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) in Tamil Nadu has achieved a major milestone, with its first two reactors generating a cumulative 1,30,627 million units of electricity since they began operations. The announcement was made by KKNPP Site Director Ashok Bhatia during the Independence Day celebrations at Anu Vijay Township on Saturday.
The two operational reactors, each with a capacity of 1,000 MW, are part of a larger project that will eventually house six reactors, all built with Russian assistance. Reactor 1 was commissioned on October 22, 2013, while Reactor 2 started commercial generation on October 15, 2016. As of June 30, 2026, the power generated so far is estimated to have prevented 11.22 crore tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, a significant contribution to India's climate goals.
Mr. Bhatia highlighted the plant's exceptional performance, noting that the current operational capacity factor for both reactors exceeds 101.5%. This indicates that the units have been generating power above their designed capacity. Reactor 2 recently established a new station record for continuous operation, surpassing the previous record of 638 days held by Reactor 1. The precise duration of the new record was not disclosed, but it underscores the reliability and efficiency of the plant's operations.
Construction of the remaining four reactors is progressing steadily. Reactor 3 recently achieved a key commissioning milestone known as 'Spillage to Open Reactor', marking a significant step in its commissioning process. Additionally, the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) for Reactor 5 was successfully erected inside its reactor cavity, bringing that unit closer to completion. These developments indicate that the expansion project is on schedule, with Units 3 to 6 expected to add another 4,000 MW of capacity once fully operational.
Beyond power generation, KKNPP has also been actively engaged in corporate social responsibility activities. Mr. Bhatia said the plant has spent ₹155.33 crore on infrastructure development in villages around the site, contributing to the well-being of local communities.
The Kudankulam project is a cornerstone of India's civil nuclear cooperation with Russia. The VVER reactors are of Russian design, and the construction of additional units reflects the enduring partnership between the two nations in atomic energy. As India seeks to expand its nuclear power capacity to meet growing energy demands and climate commitments, the performance of KKNPP and the progress on its expansion will remain crucial.
The milestone of crossing 1.30 lakh million units (approximately 13,063 crore units) is not just a statistical achievement; it is a testament to the dedication of the plant's workforce and the robustness of its systems. The announcement at the Independence Day event served as a reminder of the vital role this facility plays in India's energy security and sustainable development.
