Russian Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom has announced that the reactor pressure vessel for unit 5 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) in Tamil Nadu was successfully installed on June 15, marking a significant milestone in the construction process.
Installation Method
The operation was carried out using the Open Top method, where equipment is installed into the reactor building using a heavy-duty crane before the dome is erected. This technique was previously employed by the Russian-Indian team during the second phase of construction at the Kudankulam plant, according to a Rosatom statement.
Equipment Details
The reactor vessel was manufactured at the Atommash plant, part of Rosatom's machine-building division, in Volgodonsk, Rostov Region. Weighing 300 tonnes, it was delivered to the Kudankulam construction site in 2025. With the vessel installed, work will begin on main equipment including steam generators, main circulation pumps, main circulation pipeline units, pressure compensator, and tanks for the emergency core cooling system.
India-Russia Cooperation
Mikhail Novikov, director of projects in India at ASE JSC, highlighted the longstanding collaboration: "The secret to the success of the Kudankulam project is the long-standing and fruitful cooperation between India and Russia. Indian specialists are constructing and commissioning four power units based on Russian design, while two more units have been generating electricity for over 10 years. This reflects excellent teamwork aimed at strengthening bilateral partnership."
Future Impact
Once all six units are operational, the Kudankulam nuclear plant will provide a significant share of electricity for Tamil Nadu and other states, with power allocated according to the southern grid guidelines.
