Rajasthan Atomic Power Project's Unit-7 Achieves Sustained And Controlled Nuclear Fission Chain Reaction, Paving Way For Power Generation

In a significant milestone for India’s nuclear energy ambitions, the Unit-7 of the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP-7) in Rawatbhata, Rajasthan, has successfully achieved criticality.

This marks the beginning of a controlled nuclear fission chain reaction, a key step in transitioning the reactor from the construction phase to its operational phase.

Reaching criticality in a nuclear reactor refers to the point at which a sustained and controlled nuclear fission chain reaction begins. At this stage, the number of neutrons produced by fission events is equal to the number of neutrons lost through absorption and leakage, resulting in a stable level of power output. 

Achieving criticality is essential for the reactor to start generating heat, which can then be converted into electricity.

Safe management and precise control during this process are vital to ensure the reactor operates within designed safety parameters.

RAPP-7, a 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR), is the third unit in a series of 16 indigenous reactors developed in India.

Owned and operated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), the RAPP project is part of the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance its energy security.

The achievement follows the successful operation of similar units at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station in Gujarat.

The RAPP-7 and 8 project, with a combined planned capacity of 1,400 MW, adds to the six existing operational units at Rawatbhata which contribute 1,180 MW to the grid.

India’s total nuclear power capacity stands at 8,180 MW across 24 operational reactors.

NPCIL also has eight units of 6,800 MW capacity under construction and ten more with 7,000 MW capacity in the pre-project stage, expected to be completed by 2031-32.

Following the achievement of criticality, RAPP-7 will undergo tests before it is connected to the grid.

Power levels will be gradually increased in accordance with the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board's (AERB) clearance until full power generation is achieved.

Once fully operational, Unit-7 will contribute significantly to the national grid, providing clean and efficient energy to meet the growing demands of industries and households alike.

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