Chennai Aug 29 (IANS) The first 1 000 MW atomic power unit at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) restarted generation after completion of refuelling on Tuesday said an official.
"The first 1 000 MW atomic power unit was synchronised with the grid between 6.30 a.m and 7 a.m. today (Tuesday). The power generation is around 300 MW " the official told IANS.
According to him some tests have to be done as the unit was refuelled.
The power generation would be increased in a gradual manner he added.
The first unit was shut down on April 13 for annual maintenance and refuelling.
Every year one third of the reactor s 163 fuel assemblies or 54 assemblies are replaced.
This was the second refuelling cycle for Unit 1.
Meanwhile the second 1 000 MW unit that was shutdown on August 4 due to hydrogen concentration problem in stator is yet to restart.
India s atomic power plant operator Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) has two 1 000 MW nuclear power plants at the KNPP built with Russian equipment.
Kudankulam is in Tirunelveli district around 650 km from here.
--IANS
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