The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has achieved a significant construction milestone today at Unit-5 of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) with the successful erection of the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) inside the reactor building.
After the receipt of Major Equipment Erection (MEE) clearance from Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), erection of major nuclear island equipment commenced in Unit-5. Subsequently, the successful installation of this precision-engineered equipment marks the commencement of the erection of Nuclear Steam Supply System Equipment in the unit.
The RPV, weighing approximately 320 tonnes, was lifted, and installed using specialized heavy-lift crane adhering to all safety and quality protocols. The RPV is the heart of a nuclear power plant which houses the reactor core where nuclear fission reaction takes place. This milestone reflects the close coordination and dedicated efforts of NPCIL and Atomstroyexport (ASE), Russian Federation. The successful erection of the RPV demonstrates the steady progress being made towards the completion of Unit-5, reinforcing NPCIL’s commitment towards nation’s clean energy transition.
The Kudankulam site comprises of six units, each of 1,000 MWe capacity. Of this, KKNPP Units-1&2 (2 x 1000 MWe) are already operational and generating clean electricity at their rated capacity. As of May 2026, they have cumulatively generated about 130 Billion Units of electricity, averting release of about 112 Million Tonnes of CO2 equivalent into the environment. KKNPP Units-3&4 (2 x 1000 MWe) are at an advance stage of construction. Further, KKNPP Units-5&6 (2 x 1000 MWe) are at different stages of construction and are planned to be commissioned progressively. Upon completion of these projects, the Kudankulam site will have a total installed capacity of 6000 MWe.
NPCIL reiterates its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of nuclear safety, quality, and environmental protection while advancing towards achieving India’s clean energy goals in-line with Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat.
