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Rosatom Delivers Nuclear Fuel for Kudankulam Unit 3

2025-12-31

Rosatom has recently supplied nuclear fuel for the initial loading of the VVER-1000 reactor core at Unit 3 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, marking a key milestone in the second stage of the Russian-designed nuclear power project in southern India.

The fuel was supplied by Rosatom’s Nuclear Fuel Division, managed by TVEL, and manufactured at the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant. The delivery includes the initial reactor load along with reserve fuel assemblies and is part of a long-term contract covering the entire operational life of Units 3 and 4.

Building on operational experience from Units 1 and 2, Russian and Indian engineers have implemented advanced fuel solutions to improve efficiency and reliability. Since 2022, the plant has been using TVS-2M nuclear fuel, which features a rigid design, next-generation anti-debris filters and higher uranium content. These enhancements have enabled the extension of fuel cycles from 12 to 18 months, reducing outage frequency and increasing electricity generation.

Units under the second stage of the Kudankulam project will be the first VVER-1000 reactors globally to begin operations with an 18-month fuel cycle from initial launch. This achievement reflects sustained technical collaboration between Rosatom and Indian partners, drawing on best practices implemented at similar reactors in Russia and China.

Located in Tamil Nadu, the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant comprises six VVER-1000 units with a total installed capacity of 6,000 MW. Units 1 and 2 were commissioned in 2013 and 2017, while Units 3 to 6 are currently under construction. The project’s technical customer is the Nuclear Power Corporation of India, with Rosatom’s Engineering Division serving as the general designer and equipment supplier. All new units comply with the latest International Atomic Energy Agency safety standards.

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