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KNPP's first unit synchronised with Southern Power Grid

Kashmir Times. Dated: 10/22/2013 8:38:57 PM

CHENNAI, Oct 22 (Agencies): The first unit of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant was today synchronised with the southern power grid, marking a major milestone in power generation of the ambitious Indo-Russian nuclear collaboration in Tamil Nadu.
"The synchronisation of Unit 1 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant was done at 2.45 AM. It is generating 75 MWe," KNPP Site Director R S Sundar told agencies.
The synchronisation coincides with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's two-day visit to Russia.
In a bid to overcome legal hitches that have held up a deal on two new plants at the Kudankulam nuclear power complex over liability provisions, Singh and President Vladimir Putin yesterday pledged to "resolve all outstanding issues" related to the project.
Russia is opposing the application of liability clauses under a new Indian law. Unit 1 had already attained criticality on July 13.
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board had in August given its nod to increase the power generation by 50 per cent up to 500 MW.
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) is constructing two 1,000 MW units at KNPP jointly with Russia at Kudankulam in Tiruneveli district, some 650 km from here.
The unit attained criticality in July this year after much delay, following protests against the project by anti-nuclear activists in areas around the complex, citing safety reasons.
The first unit of Kundankulam plant reached power generation upto 160 MWe, an official release said.
"The power will be further raised to 500 MWe, 750 MWe and 1000 MWe in stages. At every stage, various tests are conducted and the technical parameters are verified. Based on the results of the tests at each of the stages and with AERB clearances, subsequent stages are reached," it said.
KNPP 1 is the 20th nuclear plant operated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited, to be connected to power grid in the country.