India has achieved another milestone in its nuclear energy journey as its third 700 MWe indigenous nuclear reactor successfully reached criticality at the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP) on September 19, 2024. This development is a significant step toward commercial electricity generation and marks the continued progress of the country's ambitious nuclear power program.

Located at Rawatbhata in Rajasthan, the RAPP-7 reactor is part of the 2 x 700 MWe series of Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) being built to strengthen India’s energy sector. Criticality, a crucial phase in the commissioning of nuclear reactors, signals the initiation of the nuclear chain reaction. It essentially transitions the project from construction to operational status. Achieving this milestone means that various tests and experiments will now be conducted to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the reactor before connecting it to the electricity grid.

This reactor is the first of a new series of indigenous 700 MWe PHWRs, showcasing NPCIL's engineering expertise. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) confirmed that Unit 7 of the 2 x 700 MW RAPP 7&8 project achieved criticality following clearance from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

The RAPP-7 reactor is the third in a line of 16 indigenous PHWRs that are part of India's broader nuclear expansion strategy. These reactors are designed to not only bolster India’s energy security but also showcase the country's capability in designing and operating large-scale nuclear power facilities. NPCIL has previously commenced commercial operations of two 700 MWe reactors at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat, and the success of the RAPP reactor further solidifies this initiative.

The reactor will now undergo a series of tests, gradually increasing its power levels before achieving full operational capacity. Each stage of this process will be overseen by the AERB to ensure compliance with the highest safety standards. This rigorous process highlights the importance of nuclear safety protocols in ensuring the reactor’s smooth integration into the national grid.

Situated in Rawatbhata, the RAPP project has already been home to six operational nuclear units with a combined capacity of 1,180 MWe. The addition of RAPP-7 and its twin, RAPP-8, will further enhance the total capacity of the plant. NPCIL currently manages a total of 24 nuclear reactors across India with an installed capacity of 8,180 MWe. With eight additional reactors under construction, including RAPP-7, NPCIL's installed capacity will soon rise to 6,800 MWe.

Looking ahead, India’s nuclear power expansion includes the construction of 10 more reactors with a combined capacity of 7,000 MWe, expected to be completed by 2031-32. These developments are aligned with the government's commitment to expanding the nuclear energy sector as part of its efforts to meet the country's growing energy demands while reducing its carbon footprint.

The successful achievement of criticality at RAPP-7 underscores India's growing self-reliance in nuclear energy. The indigenous design and construction of these reactors reflect NPCIL's competence in leading India's nuclear journey. As India transitions towards a low-carbon energy future, the role of nuclear energy will be pivotal in achieving energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

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