Central Authority Greenlights 50 MW for Kudankulam Reactor Start-Up

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has approved the allocation of 50 megawatts (MW) from Unit 1 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) to aid the commissioning of Units 3 and 4. This decision is a significant step towards enhancing nuclear power generation in India, as it supports critical start-up and commissioning activities for the new reactors.

This allocation decision took effect from midnight on October 19, 2025, and will remain in place until further notice, according to the Southern Regional Power Committee (SRPC). The approval follows a request from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), which is overseeing the construction of two 1,000 MW Light Water Reactors at the Kudankulam site in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.

The authorization was facilitated by an order from the Union Ministry of Power dated September 2, 2024, allowing NPCIL to draw up to 50 MW from Units 1 and 2 strictly for start-up purposes, in compliance with the Indian Electricity Grid Code (IEGC) Regulations, 2023. Under this arrangement, Units 3 and 4 will be recognized as beneficiaries of Unit 1, with the Southern Regional Load Despatch Centre (SRLDC) responsible for managing the scheduling and accounting of the power draw.

As part of the commissioning process, NPCIL has reported steady progress. The 63 MVA Common Station Auxiliary Transformer (CSAT) has already been energized to supply auxiliary power to the site. Officials indicate that the initial power draw will be kept minimal during the stabilization phase, with plans to gradually increase it as testing and system checks become more rigorous.

In anticipation of future demands, the Ministry of Power has advised NPCIL to explore alternative power arrangements through the Tamil Nadu transmission network. This is particularly crucial for meeting any additional start-up requirements that may exceed the allocated 50 MW or in the event of an outage at Unit 1. NPCIL has projected that peak start-up demand could rise to 60 MW by December 2025 and 65 MW by January 2026.

As of August 2025, the construction progress of Units 3 and 4 stands at 78 percent. Unit 3 has achieved significant milestones, including the completion of concreting for the inner and outer containment domes and the welding of the main coolant pipeline. Meanwhile, Unit 4 has successfully erected its Nuclear Steam Supply System.

Currently, Units 1 and 2 are providing a combined total of 1,125 MW of electricity to Tamil Nadu. The state has requested full allocation of the 2,000 MW expected to be generated by Units 3 and 4. However, the central government has indicated that a decision on this matter will be made at a later date.

This approval is part of India’s broader strategy to enhance its nuclear energy capabilities and meet growing electricity demands, showcasing a commitment to developing clean and reliable energy sources.