ERDA contributes to the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP) - A mile stone in India’s Power Generation

The indigenously designed 700 MW unit 3 of Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP-3) has attained first criticality, controlled self-sustaining nuclear fission chain reaction, on 22nd July 2020. The KAPP-3 unit achieving criticality means that it has reached the normal operating condition of a reactor and the plant is now set to generate power. This nuclear power plant has a special significance as the KAPP-3 reactor, being the largest indigenously developed model of the latest Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology, designed by the Indian scientists and technocrats, built and commissioned by Indian engineers and technicians and operated by Indian operator. The ‘achieving criticality’ of this unit was congratulated by our honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi as ‘a shining example of Make in India campaign’.

Electrical Research and Development Association (ERDA) too takes pride in contributing to this project amidst the testing times of COVID19 pandemic. During the lockdown period, ERDA received an urgent request from Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) to perform ‘Radiated Emission’ and ‘Conducted Emission’ tests on electronic panels in the KAPP’s main Control, Backup Control and Channel Rooms. These tests were required before commissioning of the KAPP-3 unit, which was being held up due to the nationwide movement restrictions. In the national interest, ERDA took up the challenge and sent its testing team on site whilst following all the safety precautions and guidelines. ERDA’s team of engineers worked day and night to complete the task in just 4 days so that the commissioning of the KAPP-3 unit is not delayed any further. With this dedicated effort, ERDA makes its humble contribution towards the advancement of the nation whereas contributing to the fulfilment of exemplary vision of 'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ a reality.