Russian team at Kudankulam to address problems in generator
A seven-member Russian technocrat team reached the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) site on Wednesday to inspect the ‘unusual vibrations’ in the generator section of the second reactor that has temporarily hampered the operation of the reactor at its maximum power generation capacity of 1,000 MWe.
While the first reactor that attained criticality in July 2013 is generating 1,000 MWe power, the quantum of power being supplied by the second reactor cannot be elevated to its maximum capacity — though this reactor too generated in the past 1,000 MWe electricity — owing to “some unusual vibrations” noticed in the generator section.
To address these technical glitches, the KKNPP sought the help of the Russians tasked with creating the nuclear park at Kudankulam with six reactors for the NPCIL.
The Russian team would take stock and rectify problems as agreed upon in the Inter-Governmental Agreement signed between India and Russia while finalising the nuclear deal.
Privatisation of atomic energy sector: A step in right direction
Announcing reforms in the atomic energy sector, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said the government will establish a research reactor and also set up facilities in public private partnership (PPP) mode.
She added that India’s robust start-up ecosystem will be linked to the nuclear sector and technology development cum Incubation Centres will be set up for fostering synergy between research facilities and tech-entrepreneurs.
Former Chairperson of the Atomic Energy Commission of India, Anil Kakodkar said that India already has a good pool of talent and expertise in nuclear capabilities, and they can be tapped to help the private sector play a bigger role in this area.
