Rajasthan Atomic Power Project

On 19th September 2024, Unit 7 of the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP) in Rawatbhata achieved criticality, marking the start of its controlled fission chain reaction.

Key Points

Achievement of Criticality: The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) announced that RAPP-7 achieved criticality on the night of September 19, after receiving clearance from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) to begin its first controlled fission reaction.
Significance of RAPP-7: RAPP-7 is the third indigenous pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR) to go critical in a series of 16 reactors being developed by the national nuclear establishment.
It follows Units 3 and 4 of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station in Gujarat, which achieved criticality in 2020 and 2023, respectively.
Transition to Operation Phase: Various experiments and tests will be conducted before RAPP-7 is connected to the grid. The reactor's power will be gradually increased to full capacity after receiving AERB clearances.
Future Projections: RAPP-7 is expected to begin power generation later this year, with Unit 8 slated for completion next year.
Current Nuclear Capacity: India's Nuclear Power Corporation operates 24 reactors with a combined capacity of 8,180 MW, while eight more reactors, with a total capacity of 6,800 MW, are under construction.