13 Aug (NucNet): India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has given approval for initial fuel loading and first approach to criticality of unit-1 of Kudankulam nuclear power station at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu.
AERB said the approval was given on 10 August 2012. The clearance enables the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) to load fresh fuel assemblies into the reactor core and conduct first approach to criticality.
AERB said the go-ahead is the culmination of a detailed review of the preliminary safety analysis reports and the final safety reports along with supporting documents submitted by NPCIL.
AERB also said it had reviewed NPCIL’s application and recommended the clearance during its August 9 meeting.
Kudankulam units-1 and -2 are Russian-designed Light Water Reactors VVER of 917 megawatt each.
India has also signed an agreement for Russia to provide financing for the completion of Kudankulam-3 and 4. In March 2010, India agreed a “roadmap” with Russia that included the construction of units 5 and 6 at the Kudankulam site.
