India, Kudankulam (NPP): description, history and characteristics

NPP "Kudankulam" (India), the commercial operation of the first unit of which began on December 31, 2013, 26 years was in the stage of design and construction and has passed a seven-month blockade by protesters to become the largest nuclear power plant in the country.

Record unfinished

There are projects of nuclear power plants, stretching forever, and «Kudankulam» – nuclear power plant, which is a vivid example of one of them. So why she gave the palm? It's worth doing though because of the number of problems that managed to overcome. Development of the first unit began in 1988, but the project survived the collapse of the Soviet Union, international sanctions, endless legal obstacles, as well as local protests, sometimes turning into riots. «Kudankulam» – nuclear power plants, known as its first modern reactor built in India using foreign technologies.

Since 1974, when the country had tested an atomic bomb, prior to 2008, India was not allowed to international trade in nuclear technologies under the Treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons to which she was not joined. The tests led to the formation of the nuclear suppliers Group (NSG), a multinational body comprised of most nuclear powers in the world, which was created to control international trade in nuclear technologies, both military and civilian.

Energy shortages

In the context of the prohibition of foreign aid, India was forced to use the achievements of domestic nuclear power. The exceptions were two units at Tarapur built by General Electric in 1969, and two more CANDU in Rajasthan, construction of which was laid in the early 1970s. Both nuclear power plants worked on uranium imported under the supervision of the International atomic energy Agency (IAEA).

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16 other reactors in India developed on its own and worked on heavy water. Limited uranium reserves in the country were a source of constant problems with fuel supplies for the local nuclear power plant. Was required to develop the technology of fuel reprocessing, as well as implement a longer-term plan for the use of large thorium reserves – approximately 13% of known deposits of this chemical element is located in India.

Difficulties in the development of nuclear energy (all reactors have a capacity of 202 MW or less) has forced its leadership to look for ways to bypass international sanctions. The result of one of these initiatives was the «Kudankulam».

Unlucky project

In November 1988, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Mikhail Gorbachev signed an agreement on the turnkey construction of two nuclear power units in Tamil Nadu using Soviet type reactor. The USSR had to build the station and provide fuel, which would be returned after production.

But the project has faced geopolitical obstacles, since the USSR in 1988 was beginning to crumble. Next year the countries of Eastern Europe that were under Soviet domination, to defend their independence, and in 1991 broke up and the Soviet Union itself. Although the Russian Federation took over the obligations of the USSR under the agreement for NPP "Kudankulam" the economic crisis that engulfed Russia in the 1990-ies, during the period between 1990 and 1995 have reduced its economy by 50%, which meant its inability to continue the implementation of the project. The dispute between Russia and India on this occasion was the cause of further delay in the implementation of the project. The revision of the agreement with the NSG in 1992 brought further problems, as the USA claimed that the project did not comply with the new rules. Various Indian officials at the time called it stillborn.

Second wind

But the project of nuclear power plants in India «Kudankulam» rose from the ashes under the most unexpected circumstances. Tensions with Pakistan in 1998 led to a series of successive nuclear tests, which led to broad international condemnation and sanctions.

However, within a month Russia decided to revive the project with a new agreement signed in June 1998. The regulation of the development of NPP "Kudankulam" involved the design and construction of the Russian state company «ASE” two 1000-MW VVER-1000 light-water and Indian Nuclear Power Corp. (NPCI) was given the role of monitoring progress. The deal was estimated at 2.8 billion U.S. dollars, while Russia has provided long-term loan in 64,16 billion rupees. The new agreement also gave India the right to reprocess spent fuel, if "ASE" will provide that opportunity.

Quick start

Construction held a major Indian company Larsen & Toubro limited, began in March 2002. Unlike similar projects “about”, the place was attended by only a few Russian engineers. Almost all work was done by local firms and professionals. Initially was every indication that the project will be completed ahead of schedule in December 2007. At this rate, the construction lasted until 2004. To support and facilitatedelivery of heavy components in the beginning of 2004, nearby the port was built, which allowed to drive heavy equipment directly on the barge with ships that dropped anchor close by.

But fast paced I could not keep.

Number of obstacles

The First problems started with the delays in the supply of equipment and components from Russia, as well as the problems associated with the supplied plans. This caused a slowdown in construction, and, in the end, the annual backlog. Major construction on the first unit was completed in 2010, and in July began testing with loading the dummy fuel. Shortly thereafter, the project faced other, more serious obstacles – literally.

Despite the widespread electricity shortages in the state of Tamil Nadu, opposition to the construction began to grow as it approaches its end. The people's movement against nuclear energy (PMANE), a coalition of local villagers and fishermen in 2011 after the disaster in March at the NPP "Fukushima-1" in Japan began a campaign against the station. The coastline of Tamil Nadu affected by the tsunami in the Indian ocean in 2004 that has raised fears of a repeat of the Japanese disaster.

Blocking a nuclear power plant

In September, before the fall is scheduled for the first fuel loading and starting in December, began securing the site of the construction works. On September 22 the Cabinet of Ministers of the state, adopted a resolution requiring the suspension of all work until concerns about the safety of the plant.

Until next March, the protesters missed no more than 50 workers per shift, making it impossible normal work. The number of demonstrators at times reached several thousand people.

The first phase

The Protests were undermined by the energy crisis in the state next spring, because of a lack of capacity to 4 GW. Facing the threat of mass blackouts, the Cabinet rescinded its previous decision and called for the speedy commissioning of the nuclear power plant «Kudankulam». NPP, however, were involved in the judicial process, despite the decision of the Supreme court in September 2012 rejected the blocking of loading of nuclear fuel.

At the same time, protests against the station increased, sometimes turning to violence, which required the presence of thousands of police to protect the station. Litigation against the plant was not finished until may 2013, when the Supreme court finally closed the case. However, delays due to protests and construction problems, increased project cost by $1 billion.

The First start block number 1 was held in July 2013 low-power testing continued over the next months, and 100% power unit was launched on 9 June. Commercial nuclear power plant began on 21 December 2014 Trained the staff of NPP "Kudankulam" (India) “Atomtechenergo”.

Second gigawatts

The Second unit of NPP "Kudankulam» 1000 MW was launched on July 10, 2016. He became the 22nd nuclear reactor in India and the second water.

After that within 45 days the unit began to produce 400 MW of power and in August was connected to the network. Electricity generation will increase gradually to 500, 750, 900 and 1000 MW. After adding 1000 MW of the second phase in the southern network installed nuclear power capacity of India will increase from the current 5780 to 6780 MW.

According to NPCIL, the first launch took place after the confirmation of the conformity of the system characteristics all the criteria and requirements stipulated by the legislation and normative acts of the Council atomic energy regulatory (AERB).

NPCIL says that «Kudankulam» – nuclear power plants, which has enhanced security features, the relevant current international standards. The reactors of generation III+ combine active and passive safety systems like passive heat removal system, recombinatory hydrogen traps active zone, accumulators and quick boron injection.

Vague

NPP "Kudankulam" of the commissioning of the second stage which is planned in early 2017, subject to the continued cooperation of India and Russia, can be expanded to 6–8 units. Across the country planned the construction of 20 such reactors.

The Agreement on the third and fourth energy units was signed in April 2014 in the amount of 330 billion rupees (5.5 billion US dollars). Its implementation was postponed due to the inconsistency of the law of 2010 on civil liability for nuclear damage, which gives NPCI right to claim compensation from the supplier of nuclear power plants in the event of an accident caused by faulty equipment.

This potential liability has disappointed foreign companies trying to do business in India, despite the agreement of 2008 with the NSG, which opened the country to international trade in nuclear materials.

A Compromise solution

The Negotiations between India and the Russian «Rosatom», which lasted four years, has prepared a framework within which to proceed with the deal. So far Russia is the only country to have reached agreement, according to which Indian stateinsurance company General Insurance Co. assess each component of the reactors will seek a 20-year insurance premiums to cover potential damage. The cost of new units is designed to reflect this new approach.

Observers are confident that these ambitious plans will bear fruit, since there are issues unique to Indian government and court system, and politics may delay widespread deployment of nuclear technology. However, the success of NPP "Kudankulam" is grounds for optimism in the country's energy sector which is in dire need of nuclear energy.