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Kakrapar Atomic Power Plant of Phase I
The Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) is a nuclear power plant located in Gujarat, India near the Tapi river. It consists of four pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs).
Phase I of KAPS includes two 220 MW PHWR units – KAPS-1 and KAPS-2. KAPS-1 achieved first criticality in 1992 and began commercial operation in 1993, while KAPS-2 achieved criticality in 1995 and started commercial operation the same year.
Phase II of KAPS consists of two larger 700 MW PHWR units – KAPS-3 and KAPS-4. KAPS-3 achieved first criticality in July 2020 and began commercial operation in June 2023, while KAPS-4 achieved criticality in December 2023 and started commercial operation in March 2024. These are the largest indigenously designed and built nuclear reactors in India.
The Kakrapar plant is operated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), a public sector company under the Department of Atomic Energy.
Units and Operational History
- Unit 1: KAPS-1 achieved criticality on September 3, 1992, and commenced commercial electricity production on May 6, 1993.
- Unit 2: KAPS-2 went critical on January 8, 1995, and began its commercial operations on September 1, 1995.
Both reactors utilize heavy water as a moderator and are designed to optimize the use of natural uranium as fuel. The initial construction costs were estimated at ₹382.52 crore, but the final expenditure reached approximately ₹1,335 crore due to various factors, including design adjustments and safety enhancements.
Performance and Recognition
In January 2003, the CANDU Owners Group recognized KAPS as the best-performing PHWR globally, highlighting its operational efficiency and reliability. However, both units faced operational challenges over the years, including coolant channel leaks that led to temporary shutdowns. KAPS-2 was shut down in July 2015 due to such a leak, while KAPS-1 was taken offline in March 2016 for similar reasons. After extensive maintenance, KAPS-2 achieved criticality again in September 2018, and KAPS-1 resumed operations ahead of schedule on May 19, 2019.
Technical Specifications
- Type: Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR)
- Capacity: 220 MW for each unit
- Reactor Model: IPHWR-220
The reactors are designed to operate with significant thermal margins, ensuring that the operating temperatures remain well below the maximum limits. This design feature contributes to the overall safety and efficiency of the reactors.
Safety and Regulatory Oversight
KAPS has implemented advanced safety measures, including robust containment systems and regular safety assessments by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). These measures are crucial for maintaining operational safety and addressing public concerns about nuclear energy.
Kakrapar Atomic Power Plant of Phase II
Phase II of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station includes the construction of two indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), designated as Unit 3 and Unit 4, each with a capacity of 700 Megawatts (MWe). This marks a substantial scale-up from the earlier units, which had capacities of 220 MWe and 540 MWe, respectively. The project aims to optimize the design and improve the efficiency of nuclear power generation in India.
Timeline and Milestones
- Approval and Construction: The project received initial approval from the Indian government in 2007, with formal confirmation in 2009. Site preparation was completed by August 2010, and construction commenced shortly thereafter, with the first concrete poured for Unit 3 in November 2010 and for Unit 4 in March 2011.
- Criticality Achievements:
- Unit 3: Achieved first criticality on July 22, 2020, and was connected to the grid on January 10, 2021. It began commercial operations on June 30, 2023 and achieved full load operations by August 31, 2023.
- Unit 4: Achieved first criticality on December 17, 2023, connected to the grid on February 20, 2024, and commenced commercial operations on March 31, 2024.
Technological Advancements
The reactors in Phase II incorporate advanced safety features, including:
- Steel-lined containment systems: These are designed to prevent the escape of radioactive materials in case of an incident.
- Passive decay heat removal systems: This technology allows the reactors to cool down safely even when shut down, enhancing overall safety and reliability.
These innovations are informed by lessons learned from past nuclear incidents, such as the Fukushima disaster, and aim to bolster public confidence in nuclear energy.
Significance for Energy Production
The Kakrapar Phase II reactors are crucial for India’s strategy to increase its nuclear power capacity significantly. The country aims to ramp up its nuclear generation from the current capacity of approximately 6,780 MWe to 22,480 MWe by 2031. The successful operation of KAPS Unit 3 and Unit 4 is expected to play a vital role in achieving these ambitious energy targets, contributing to India’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy security.
Kakrapar Nuclear Power Plant Capacity
Phase I
- Units 1 and 2: Each unit has a capacity of 220 MW.
- KAPS-1 began commercial operation in May 1993 after achieving criticality in September 1992.
- KAPS-2 followed, starting commercial production in September 1995 after criticality in January 1995.
Phase II
- Units 3 and 4: These units are designed with a capacity of 700 MW each.
- KAPS-3 achieved criticality in July 2020 and began commercial operations in June 2023.
- KAPS-4 achieved criticality in December 2023 and is expected to start commercial operations in March 2024.
Kakrapar Atomic Power Plant on Map
Kakrapar Atomic Power Plant Incidents
Kakrapar Atomic Power Plant (KAPS), located in Gujarat, India, has experienced several notable incidents since its commissioning in the early 1990s. These incidents primarily involve leaks and operational anomalies related to its reactors, which are classified as Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).
Major Incidents of Kakrapar Atomic Power Plant:
- Heavy Water Leak (March 11, 2016):
On March 11, 2016, KAPS Unit 1 experienced a leak from a pressure tube in its coolant system. This incident led to an automatic shutdown of the reactor, and all safety systems functioned as designed. A plant emergency was declared, but subsequent environmental surveys indicated no radiological impact on workers or the public. The root cause was identified as corrosion due to an unlisted impurity in the leak detection system, which had not been previously accounted for. This event was categorized as a “Small Loss of Coolant Accident” (LOCA) and rated at Level 2 on the International Nuclear Event Scale (INES) . - Operational Anomalies:
- 1998 Shutdown: Unit 1 was shut down for 66 days due to a leak in its stator water systems.
- March 10, 2004: An incident involving a rise in reactor power occurred while Unit 1 was operational, which was classified as Level 2 on INES.
- Heavy Water Leak (2016): The heavy water leak incident led to the reactor being shut down for further investigation and repair .
- Historical Context:
KAPS has been operational since the early 1990s, with Unit 1 commissioned in 1992 and Unit 2 in 1995. Both units have a capacity of 220 MW each. The plant has undergone various upgrades and maintenance activities, including the replacement of coolant tubes in 2011 to enhance safety measures .
FAQs on Kakrapar Atomic Power Plant
In which state is Kakrapar Nuclear Power Plant?
The Kakrapar Nuclear Power Plant is located in the state of Gujarat, India. It is situated near the town of Vyara in the Tapi district. This power plant plays a significant role in providing electricity to the region.
Which is the largest atomic power plant in India?
The largest atomic power plant in India is the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, it has the highest capacity among the nuclear power plants in the country and contributes significantly to India's nuclear energy production.
Which is the first nuclear power plant located in India?
The first nuclear power plant in India is the Tarapur Atomic Power Station. Situated in the state of Maharashtra, it began operations in 1969 and marked the beginning of India's journey into nuclear energy.
What is the Kakrapar project in Gujarat?
The Kakrapar project in Gujarat refers to the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS). This nuclear power plant consists of multiple reactors that generate electricity. The project is an important part of India's nuclear energy program, contributing to the country's power supply and energy security.
Which river flows near Kakrapar Nuclear Power Plant?
The river that flows near the Kakrapar Nuclear Power Plant is the Tapi River. The plant is located on the banks of this river, providing a vital water source for its cooling and operational needs.
