Modi, Putin launch second unit of Kudankulam nuclear power plant

The second unit of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in Tamil Nadu was formally launched on Saturday, an event witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin through videoconferencing here.

The two leaders -- who are here to participate in the BRICS Summit -- also witnessed the laying of the foundation concrete of the plant's Units 3 and 4, being built jointly by the two countries in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.

Addressing a joint press conference with Putin, Modi said eight more reactors will be set up in collaboration with Russia.

"Just minutes ago, with the dedication of Kudankulum 2 and laying of the foundation concrete of Kundankulum 3 and 4 units, we saw the tangible results of India-Russia cooperation in the field of civil nuclear energy," Modi said.

"With the proposed construction of another eight reactors, our wide-ranging cooperation in nuclear energy is set to bring rich dividends for both of us. It also fits in with our need for energy security, access to high technology and greater localisation and manufacturing in India," he said.

Putin said the plant has been built by using the latest technology.

President of ASE Group of Companies, Valery Limarenko, meanwhile called the endeavour a "perfect example of successful promotion of Russian technologies in the world market".

The first unit at Kudankulam went critical -- or started generating power -- on July 13, 2015, and was connected to the southern power grid on October 22, 2015.

The first unit was dedicated to the nation on August 10. Modi then said it marked the start of India-Russia collaboration in the nuclear energy field and that bigger atomic power units would be built.

The second 1,000-megawatt unit was connected to the grid on August 29.

In January, Indian regulator Atomic Energy Regulatory Body (AERB) granted clearance for starting the construction of the units 3 and 4.

--IANS

ao/tsb