TVEL, the fuels subsidiary of ROSATOMhas started the execution of the contract for the supply of nuclear fuel to units 3 and 4 of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant . This contract covers the entire operating life of these units, starting from the first fuel load into the reactors. The above-mentioned units, equipped with Russian-designed VVER-1000 reactors, are currently under construction in southern India.
Kudankulam nuclear power plant improves efficiency with TVS-2M nuclear fuel
In recent years, major upgrades have been implemented at power units 1 and 2 of the nuclear power plant. nuclear power plantThe upgrades include the introduction of an advanced fuel, TVS-2M, and the extension of the fuel cycles, which has led to a significant increase in the number of fuel cycles. These improvements include the introduction of an advanced fuel, TVS-2M, and the extension of the fuel cycles, which has enabled more efficient operation of the reactors.
Since 2022, the plant has been operating with the aforementioned TVS-2M fuel, designed to improve the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the units thanks to advanced technical features such as a rigid skeleton, a state-of-the-art debris filter, and a higher mass of uranium.
The introduction of this new fuel has also allowed the reactors’ operating cycles to be extended from 12 to 18 months, which optimizes the plant’s economic efficiency. With these extended fuel cycles, the power units need to stop less frequently to refuel, which increases annual energy production. This represents a significant advance for the nuclear industry in the region.
ROSATOM leads with fuel cycles
Natalia Nikipelova, president of TVEL Fuel Company, expressed her satisfaction with the progress made: “The second stage Kudankulam will be the first VVER-1000 reactors to operate on an extended 18-month fuel cycle.
This achievement is the result of successful cooperation in recent years, where efficient solutions previously implemented in reactors in Russia and China have been applied. Throughout the life cycle of the plant, TVEL supplies nuclear fuel, and offers engineering services that improve operational efficiency through new fuel cycle solutions.”
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Source and photo: ROSATOM
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