Kakrapar-4 nuclear reactor attains criticality

Source: The post is based on the article “Kakrapar-4 nuclear reactor attains criticality” published in “The Hindu” on 18th December 2023

Why in the News?

The Fourth unit of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP-4) in Gujarat has achieved criticality.

What is Criticality?

Criticality refers to the state where the chain reaction of nuclear fission in a nuclear reactor is self-sustaining. This means that each fission event produces enough neutrons to cause further fissions, maintaining a constant rate of fission and energy release. Its the first step in nuclear energy generation.

What is the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS)?

1) Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) is a nuclear power plant located in Surat, Gujarat.

2) It is operated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). 

3) The plant uses Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) which use natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as coolant and moderator.

4) The plant has four reactors: two 220 MW units and two 700 MW units with a total capacity of 1,840 MW.

Note- The 700 MWe units are the largest indigenous nuclear power reactors to be built by NPCIL.

5) Safety Features: The Unit-3 and Unite 4 of KAPS have steel-lined inner containment systems that prevent any radioactive material from escaping in case of an accident.

– They also have passive decay heat removal systems which safely cool down the reactor even when it is shut down.

What is the state of Nuclear Energy in India?

1) In 2022-23, nuclear energy formed around 2.8 percent of India’s total energy production.

2) NPCIL presently operates 23 reactors with a total capacity of 7,480 MW.

3) With more projects under construction and accorded sanction, the existing nuclear power capacity is going to be increased to 22480 MW by the year 2031.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology