Kakrapar Nuclear Power Project
- December 23, 2023
- Posted by: Akarias
- Category: Blog Daily Current Affairs
Kakrapar Nuclear Power Project: Why In Discussion?
Recently the fourth unit of Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS), Gujarat, has achieved its first criticality – the start of the regulated fission reaction – paving the way for its final transformation to generate electricity for commercial use.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!What is Criticality?
Criticality is the first step towards power generation. A nuclear reactor is said to be critical when the nuclear fuel sustains the fission chain reaction inside the reactor.
Each fission reaction releases a sufficient number of neutrons to sustain the chain of reactions. This phenomenon produces heat, which is used to generate steam that rotates a turbine to generate electricity.
Fission is a process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei and some byproducts.
When the nucleus splits, the kinetic energy of the fragmented fragments (the primary nucleus) is transferred as heat energy to other atoms in the fuel, which is ultimately used to drive turbines and produce steam.
Importance of achieving criticality:
- Milestone for power generation:
This step ensures that the reactor can produce the controlled and sustained chain reaction necessary for sustained power generation. This is the precursor to full operation and power generation for commercial use.
- technological advancements:
The Kakrapar reactors, particularly Units 3 and 4, are equipped with advanced safety features inspired by learnings from previous nuclear incidents such as the Fukushima Daiichi disaster.
These include steel-lined containment systems and passive dissipation heat removal systems, which enhance safety and reliability.
- Energy sustainability and climate goals:
Nuclear energy as a low carbon source is in line with India’s climate goals to increase renewable energy share.
As promised at international forums such as the United Nations Convention of Parties (COP26), India aims to generate 50% of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
What are the main facts about Kakrapar reactor?
- The existing KAPS reactor Unit-1 and Unit-2 have a capacity of 220 MW each. But the new 700MW projects, Unit-3 and Unit-4, are among the safest reactors in the world.
- The Unit-3 and 4 reactors have steel-lined internal containment systems that prevent any radioactive material from being released in the event of an accident.
- They also have passive decay heat removal systems, which safely cool the reactor even when shut down.
How has been India’s nuclear journey?
- early development:
India’s nuclear program began in the 1940s and gained momentum with the establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) in 1948.
Homi Jahangir Bhabha, known as the father of India’s nuclear programme, played an important role in its initial phase.
- Peaceful nuclear explosion:
India conducted its first peaceful nuclear explosion in Pokhran as Operation Smiling Buddha in 1974, marking its entry into nuclear technology.
Pokhran-II was conducted in May 1998 as one of a series of 5 nuclear tests including a thermonuclear test intended to demonstrate nuclear weapons capability.
- Civil Nuclear Cooperation:
Despite being out of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), India negotiated civil nuclear agreements with various countries, including the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008, which allowed technology cooperation and nuclear fuel supply.
- Indigenous Nuclear Capabilities:
India developed indigenous nuclear technology including the Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) and the Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR), demonstrating self-reliance and scientific prowess.
India’s nuclear power generation capacity has grown steadily, with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) leading the country’s nuclear reactor construction and operation.
- Safety and Regulations:
India focused on stringent safety standards and regulatory measures under the supervision of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) to ensure safe operation of nuclear facilities.
Nuclear energy played an important role in diversifying India’s energy mix, contributing to energy security and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
- Current status and future plans:
There are currently 23 nuclear power plants in operation in India under Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL), with a total power generation capacity of 7,480 MW.
NPCIL is constructing nine more plants, including KAPS Unit-4, with a total capacity of 7,500 MW.
India’s total generation capacity by 2023 is 417 GW, of which 43 percent will come from renewable sources. However, despite rapid growth, the role of nuclear energy in India’s total energy production is still low.
According to government data, the contribution of nuclear energy to India’s total energy production in the year 2022-23 was about 2.8 percent.
India has set ambitious targets to significantly increase its nuclear energy production, with the aim of tripling its capacity by 2031.
However, challenges such as public concerns over security, land acquisition and regulatory barriers remain.