Daily Current Affairs : 23-August-2024

India has recently achieved a significant milestone in its nuclear energy sector. The Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS), located in Gujarat, has seen its second indigenous 700 MW nuclear power reactor, KAPS-4, reach full operational capacity. This marks an important achievement for India’s nuclear power program, demonstrating the country’s growing capabilities in generating clean and sustainable energy.

KAPS-4 Reaches Full Power

The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) confirmed that KAPS-4, which had been operating at 90% of its designed capacity, has now achieved its full power output of 700 Megawatts Electric (MWe). This is a major development for the country, as it shows that India is advancing in nuclear technology and moving towards increasing its energy security through indigenous solutions.

Success of the PHWR Design

KAPS-4 operates using India’s home-grown 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) design. The reactor’s successful operation is a testament to the effectiveness and safety of this technology. This success is particularly notable because KAPS-4 is a twin unit, with its counterpart, KAPS-3, having already proven the design’s efficiency.

  • Key Points:
    • KAPS-4 operates with a 700 MW PHWR design.
    • KAPS-3, the twin unit, also operates on the same design, showing consistency and reliability.
    • The reactor has reached its full operational capacity of 700 MWe, confirming its technical success.

Regulatory Approval and Future Plans

The power increase at KAPS-4 was approved by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), ensuring that the reactor meets the necessary safety and operational standards. This achievement paves the way for further developments in India’s nuclear energy sector.

In addition to KAPS-4, India is in the process of constructing 14 more reactors based on the same 700 MW PHWR design. These reactors are expected to be operational by 2031-32, significantly boosting the country’s nuclear power generation capacity.

  • India’s Future in Nuclear Energy:
    • 14 more reactors of the same design are under construction.
    • These reactors are set to be operational by 2031-32.
    • The focus is on expanding clean energy capacity and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Important Points:

  • KAPS-4 Reactor Achieves Full Capacity: The reactor at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat now operates at 700 MW, confirming its full potential.
  • Indigenous 700 MW PHWR Design: KAPS-4 uses India’s home-grown Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) design, proven effective by its twin unit, KAPS-3.
  • Approval from AERB: The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) approved the power increase at KAPS-4, ensuring safety and compliance.
  • 14 More Reactors Under Construction: India is building 14 additional reactors based on the same design, expected to be operational by 2031-32.
  • Focus on Clean Energy: The development aligns with India’s goal to expand clean energy capacity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
  • Key Milestone for India’s Nuclear Program: KAPS-4’s full capacity operation marks a significant step in strengthening India’s nuclear energy sector and energy security.

Why In News

India’s second indigenous 700 MW nuclear power reactor, KAPS-4, located at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat, has begun operating at full capacity, marking a significant achievement in the country’s nuclear energy development and boosting its clean energy output.

MCQs about KAPS-4 Reactor Reaches Full Capacity

  1. What is the full operational capacity of the KAPS-4 reactor?
    A. 600 MW
    B. 700 MW
    C. 750 MW
    D. 800 MW
    Correct Answer: B. 700 MW
    Explanation: KAPS-4 operates at a full capacity of 700 Megawatts Electric (MWe), as confirmed by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
  2. Which reactor design is used in KAPS-4?
    A. Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR)
    B. Boiling Water Reactor (BWR)
    C. Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR)
    D. Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR)
    Correct Answer: C. Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR)
    Explanation: KAPS-4 uses India’s indigenous 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) design, which is also used by its twin unit, KAPS-3.
  3. How many additional reactors is India constructing based on the same design as KAPS-4?
    A. 10 reactors
    B. 12 reactors
    C. 14 reactors
    D. 16 reactors
    Correct Answer: C. 14 reactors
    Explanation: India is constructing 14 more reactors with the same 700 MW PHWR design as KAPS-4. These reactors are expected to be operational by 2031-32.
  4. Which regulatory body approved the power increase at KAPS-4?
    A. Indian Atomic Energy Commission (IAEC)
    B. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)
    C. Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)
    D. Ministry of Power (MoP)
    Correct Answer: C. Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)
    Explanation: The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) gave approval for the power increase at KAPS-4 after ensuring that the reactor met all safety and operational standards.

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