The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board has given clearance for power generation at the Unit-I of Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) around 8 pm on Wednesday, said R S Sundar, site director of KKNP.
Informing this here on Thursday, Sundar said that the plant was now running for re-criticality and the unit would start producing around 300 to 500 MWe by the end of this month.
The AERB had earlier granted clearance for ‘First Approach to Criticality’ (FAC) of Unit-1 on July 11.
Then the unit-1 started the FAC activity around 11.49 pm the same day and attained criticality at 11.05 pm on July 13. Subsequently, the plant was tested several times and it attained criticality five times.
The AERB after studying the results of the tests gave clearance for power generation at Unit-I around 8 pm on Wednesday, the site director said. Two units of VVER reactors each with a capacity to generate 1,000 MWe were set up at the plant with technical collaboration of Russian federation.
Earlier in the day he took part in the 67th Independence day celebrations at Anu Vijay Township and unfurled the Tricolour.
In his address on the occasion, he conveyed that under the Neighbourhood Development Programme, which was being implemented in areas around the KKNPP, a sum of Rs 500 crore had been earmarked for the various welfare projects for local community.
In an effort to educate the residents of villages around the plant on nuclear power, the KKNPP has been conducting exhibitions, seminars, workshops at several places, Sundar said.
Saytiev Vladmir, Head of division of NPP construction in India, E N Dudkin, head of Russian specialists group at site, H N Sahu, station director, S V Jinna, chief superintendent, P A Pillai, chief construction engineer, Manish Singh, deputy commandant, CISF, K Anbumani, DGM (HR) among the officials took part the celebrations.