AERB nod for Kudankulam project likely

The first approach to criticality means the reaction of neutron bombardment to uranium atom will start

The first unit of the Kudankulam nuclear power project in Tamil Nadu may soon get regulatory clearance for its first approach to criticality.  When the atom-splitting reactor of a nuclear power plant is operating normally, it is said to be “critical” or in a state of “criticality”.

The Kudankulam unit is now awaiting clearance from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) for its first approach. One more step is required to be crossed towards criticality. AERB will give its nod to Nuclear Power Corp of India Ltd (NPCIL), which is setting up the Kudankulam plant after a satisfactory safety review, a top official said.   

“AERB is currently reviewing the first approach to criticality. A high level observer team is at the project site, which is giving daily reports to our headquarters, which are subsequently reviewed,” AERB secretary R Bhattacharya told Business Standard.

AERB secretary’s statement is crucial when the Kudankulam project site director RS Sundar on Monday had told this correspondent that NPC has already approached AERB to seek various clearances. He had informed that the Kudankulam project may achieve criticality by end of May and after 25 days the power generation will begin.

As far as the apex court’s directives on monitoring and periodical reviews, Bhattacharya said this will be fully complied with. “AERB has put in place a quarterly inspection of each nuclear power project in the country. This will also be followed in case of Kudankulam project,” he noted.

Bhattacharya explained that the quarterly inspection consists of physical verification of site, documents by expert members.
Meanwhile, AERB chairman SS Bajaj said as per the well established regulatory process of AERB, commissioning stage of a nuclear power plant (NPP) involves conducting series of checks and tests, system wise and also in an integrated manner to ensure that all the systems perform as per the design intent. The results of various tests conducted at each stage are reviewed in AERB. Only after satisfactory review, permission for proceeding to subsequent stage is given.

“Granting stage wise clearance/s, which may further have sub-stages, is an intrinsic regulatory measure to ensure that previous stages have been completed as per the approved procedures and the compliance of the same has been established before issuance of clearance of the next stage.  Once any shortcoming is noticed in any system while checking the same, corrective measures are recommended to Nuclear Power Corporation and only after a satisfactory review of all associated safety concerns AERB grants subsequent clearances,” Bajaj said.