Unit-3 of Tarapur Atomic Power project in commercial operation

Mumbai, Aug 19 (UNI) The commercial operation of Unit-3 of Tarapur Atomic Power Plant (TAPP-3) was fully commenced at 0000 hrs on August 18 which is more than five months ahead of schedule.

The unit which was earlier operating at 415 MWe and at present at 540 MWe especially after commencement of the commercial operation yesterday, had achieved criticality on May 21 and was synchronised with the grid on June 15.

The unit-3 of Tarapur Atomic Power Plant like predecesor Tarapur Atomic Power Plant Unit-4, is India's largest and most advanced nuclear power unit. Tarapur Atomic Power Plant-3 and 4 are fully indegenous and have been designed and constructed by Nuclear Power Corporation of India ltd, a public sector undertaking under Department of Atomic Energy, a release issued by NPCIL said here today.

The two units belong to pressurised Heavy Water Reactor family using natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as moderator and coolant. All the major milestones of Unit-3 were achieved in less than half the time of TAPP-4.

The total installed nuclear power capacity at Tarapur has now become 1400 MWe while the nuclear power capacity of the whole country is 3900 MWe. This is the 16th Nuclear Power Plant in operation.

The total installed nuclear capacity will increase to 4120 MWe by the end of tenth five year plan (2002-07). It is planned to achieve an installed capacity of 20,000 MWe by the year 2020.

The experience gained from Tarapur Atomic Power Plant- 3 and 4 is being utilised for upgrading the unit size to 700 MWe. Four such MWe units- two at Rawabhata in Rajasthan and two at Kakrapar in Gujarat are proposed to be built.

NPCIL is unique in having build, under one roof, comprehensive capability in all facets of nuclear technology namely -site selection, design, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance and life extension of nuclear power plants, a release added.

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