Russia’s Rosatom has shipped a VVER-1000 reactor vessel for Unit 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), the largest nuclear facility in India. In line with the project’s production schedule, a set of four steam generators for Unit 6 will be shipped in 2025.
The reactor vessel, often referred to as the “heart” of a nuclear power plant, houses the reactor core, coolant, neutron reflector, thermal shielding, control rods and other internal structures. These components are crucial for the plant’s efficiency and safety.
General designer of Rosatom subsidiary OKB GIDROPRESS JSC, Valery Kryzhanovsky emphasised Rosatom’s commitment to continuous development in nuclear technology.
“Despite our strong position in the nuclear world, we remain focused on improving equipment design to ensure the highest safety standards. We are developing a next-generation nuclear reactor with increased capacity, advanced operational features, and improved technical and economic performance,” Kryzhanovsky said.
Kudankulam NPP, a flagship collaboration between India and Russia, will consist of six power units upon completion. Units 1 and 2, connected to India’s national grid in 2013 and 2016, are currently supplying electricity to southern India. Units 3 and 4 are nearing completion, while construction has begun on Units 5 and 6.
When fully operational, the plant will generate a significant portion of Tamil Nadu’s electricity, meeting 50 per cent of the state’s power needs. Additionally, it will provide one-third of the electricity required by neighboring Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry, benefiting a combined population of over 100 million people.
During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia in July 2024, Rosatom proposed several new projects, including the construction of six additional reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs).
SMRs are particularly attractive for countries with smaller power grids and developing regions like Africa. Rosatom is promoting floating power units and land-based SMRs as cost-effective, scalable, and rapidly deployable solutions for nations transitioning to clean and sustainable energy.
In November 2024, Rosatom advanced construction on another flagship nuclear project—Egypt’s first nuclear power plant, El-Dabaa—by installing the core catcher for Unit 4.
The core catcher, a critical passive safety system, is designed to prevent radioactive leaks in the event of a severe accident. Once completed, El-Dabaa will consist of four VVER-1200 reactors, each with a capacity of 1,200 MW, marking a major milestone in Africa’s transition to nuclear energy.
With Kudankulam’s expansion and El-Dabaa’s progress, Rosatom continues to strengthen its role in global nuclear energy development, supporting energy security and sustainable power generation worldwide.
