Russia has delivered the first set of nuclear fuel assemblies for the third reactor of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) in Tamil Nadu, marking a major step forward in India’s biggest civil nuclear project. The fuel, produced at Rosatom’s Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant, arrived by air as part of a long-term supply contract signed in 2024.
This shipment begins the initial fuel-loading process for Unit-3. According to Rosatom, a total of seven flights will transport the entire core load and reserve fuel required for Unit-3 and Unit-4. The contract ensures lifetime fuel supply for both reactors, guaranteeing uninterrupted operations once they are commissioned.
The delivery coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, during which he reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to accelerating work across all six planned reactors at Kudankulam. Putin described Kudankulam as a flagship project of India–Russia cooperation and said that once fully operational, the plant will significantly enhance India’s power capacity.
Currently, Units 1 and 2 are active, while Units 3 to 6 are at different stages of construction. Together, all six reactors will generate 6,000 megawatts of electricity, making KKNPP the country’s largest nuclear power station.
Putin also indicated that future collaboration could extend to new technologies, including small modular reactors, floating nuclear plants, and peaceful applications of nuclear science in medicine and agriculture. He added that Russia would continue to ensure reliable fuel supply for India’s growing clean-energy needs.
The progress at Kudankulam is expected to benefit Tamil Nadu and the southern grid by providing a steady, low-carbon power source and supporting India’s broader energy security plans.
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