Rajasthan Atomic Power Project Unit-7 Commences Operation
Why focus: 700 MW indigenous PHWR grid connection — GS3 Energy/Science, perfect for 'Match-the-Following' on India's nuclear reactor types and locations
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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Standardization of Design: Before, reactors were often built as custom or evolving standalone projects. Now, under the 'fleet mode', the 700 MW PHWR design is completely standardized across multiple sites (Kaiga, Gorakhpur, Chutka, Mahi Banswara), allowing bulk procurement of components like Calandria and end-shields.
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Economies of Scale: Previously, single-unit procurements led to higher manufacturing costs and delays. Now, placing bulk orders for ten units simultaneously drastically reduces unit cost and manufacturing lead times for domestic industries.
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Safety Enhancements: The newer 700 MW design introduces advanced post-Fukushima safety mechanisms, including a Passive Decay Heat Removal System that cools the reactor core naturally without requiring external electricity.
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Funding and Institutional Mechanisms: Previously, nuclear power expansion was heavily reliant on government budgets via NPCIL alone. Now, amendments to the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 have enabled Public Sector Joint Ventures (like ASHVINI, a JV between NPCIL and NTPC) to fund and operate these standardized fleet mode reactors.
What Did NOT Change
Despite the increase in capacity and modernized safety features, the fundamental core physics of the reactor remains unchanged. It continues to operate as a Stage I PHWR, exclusively utilizing domestically available unenriched natural uranium as fuel and relying on heavy water (Deuterium Oxide) for both cooling and neutron moderation. Strict oversight by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) also remains standard.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Common Misconceptions
✗ Indian PHWRs like RAPP-7 rely on heavily enriched uranium imported from other nations.
✓ PHWRs use unenriched, natural uranium (containing only about 0.7 percent U-235). The design compensates for this low fissile content by using heavy water, which captures very few neutrons.
Most global nuclear reactors, such as the Light Water Reactors (LWRs) installed at Kudankulam, require enriched uranium to sustain a reaction because ordinary water absorbs more neutrons.
✗ The 'fleet mode' refers to mobile or floating nuclear reactors built in the ocean.
✓ In nuclear policy, 'fleet mode' means building a batch of identical land-based reactors (like the ten 700 MW PHWRs approved in 2017) simultaneously using standard designs and bulk component procurement.
The word 'fleet' is predominantly associated with naval ships and submarines, leading to geographical confusion.
Practice Questions
Q1
How Many CorrectConsider the following statements regarding India's nuclear power programme: 1. The 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) sanctioned under 'fleet mode' use ordinary water as a coolant and heavy water as a moderator. 2. Under Stage II of India's Three-Stage Nuclear Programme, Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) use Plutonium-239 to breed Thorium-232 into Uranium-233. 3. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) derives its regulatory powers from the Atomic Energy Act, 1962. How many of the above statements are correct?
Q2
Match the FollowingMatch the Nuclear Power Project (List I) with its specific attribute or State (List II): List I: A. Rawatbhata (RAPP) B. Kakrapar (KAPS) C. Gorakhpur (GHAVP) D. Kudankulam (KKNPP) List II: 1. Site of India's first operational indigenous 700 MW PHWRs (Units 3 & 4) 2. Operates Russian-assisted VVER Light Water Reactors 3. Site of the recently synchronized Unit-7 700 MW PHWR 4. Fleet mode PHWRs currently under construction in Haryana
Q3
Assertion & ReasonAssertion (A): The indigenous 700 MW PHWRs are capable of sustaining a nuclear chain reaction using natural, unenriched uranium. Reason (R): Heavy water (Deuterium Oxide) used in PHWRs has a very low neutron absorption cross-section, allowing fast neutrons to be thermalized without being lost from the reaction cycle. Select the correct answer: