The Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat, India recently attained a significant milestone with its fourth unit achieving first Criticality. This is the initial phase of the regulated fission reaction that precedes power generation. In due course, this will facilitate the transition to producing electricity for commercial consumption.
Understanding Nuclear Fission and Criticality
In simple terms, criticality signifies the commencement of sustainable power production in a nuclear reactor. The reactor reaches a “critical” state when the nuclear fuel within it can sustain a fission chain reaction. This fission process involves the splitting of an atom’s nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing byproducts. The kinetic energy from these fragments transfers to other atoms in the fuel as heat energy. This heat is then harnessed to produce steam, which powers turbines to generate electricity.
The Significance of First Criticality
Achieving first criticality is a momentous event in power generation. This stage assures that the reactor is capable of a controlled, sustained chain reaction vital for continuous power generation. It sets the stage for a full operation, eventually leading to power production for commercial usage. The Kakrapar reactors, notably Units 3 and 4, are equipped with advanced safety features devised from lessons learned from previous nuclear incidents like the Fukushima disaster. They incorporate steel-lined containment systems and passive decay heat removal systems that enhance their safety and reliability.
The Kakrapar Reactor and India’s Climate Goals
Nuclear energy aligns perfectly with India’s endeavors to increase its renewable energy share, being a low-carbon source. It resonates with India’s commitment at international venues such as the United Nation Convention of Parties (COP26) to source 50% of its electric power from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
Features of the Kakrapar Reactor
The existing KAPS reactors, Unit-1 and Unit-2, each have a capacity of 220 MW. The new projects, Unit-3 and Unit-4, with their 700MW capacities, are numbered among the world’s safest reactors. These reactors possess steel-lined inner containment systems that thwart the release of any radioactive material during an accident. They amply feature passive decay heat removal systems for safely cooling down the reactor even when shut down.
India’s Nuclear Journey
India’s nuclear program was launched in the 1940s and intensified with the establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) in 1948. Homi Bhabha, hailed as the father of India’s nuclear program, played a crucial role in shaping its early progress. Notable events include India’s first peaceful nuclear explosion in 1974, termed operation Smiling Buddha, as well as negotiating civil nuclear agreements with various nations despite not being a part of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). India also successfully developed indigenous nuclear technology demonstrating its self-reliance and scientific prowess.
Role of Nuclear Energy in India’s Power Mix
India has consistently emphasized stringently safety norms and regulatory measures, overseen by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), to ensure the safe functioning of nuclear facilities. Nuclear energy has contributed towards diversifying India’s energy mix, enhancing energy security, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. At present, India operates 23 nuclear reactors under the purview of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) with a total capacity of 7,480 MW. NPCIL is currently constructing nine more reactors, including the KAPS Unit-4, with a collective capacity of 7,500 MW.
Nuclear Energy’s Contribution to India’s Total Energy Generation
As of 2023, India has a total power generation capacity of 417 GW, with nearly 43 percent stemming from renewable sources. Despite its rapid growth, nuclear energy constitutes only about 2.8 percent of India’s total energy production. However, India plans to overcome challenges regarding safety concerns, land acquisition, and regulatory hurdles to significantly ramp up its nuclear production and triple its capacity by 2031.
