Russia's Rosatom Delivers Nuclear Fuel for Kudankulam's Third Reactor During Putin's India Visit

Russia's state-run nuclear corporation Rosatom has announced the successful delivery of the first batch of nuclear fuel for the initial loading of the third reactor at Tamil Nadu's Kudankulam nuclear power plant.

The nuclear fuel delivery coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin's two-day diplomatic visit to New Delhi.

According to Rosatom's Thursday statement, a specialized cargo flight operated by their Nuclear Fuel Division transported fuel assemblies manufactured at the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant to India.

The delivery plan includes seven flights from Russia to supply the complete reactor core plus reserve fuel. These shipments are being executed under a contract signed in 2024, which covers fuel supply for both the third and fourth VVER-1000 reactors at Kudankulam for their entire operational lifespan, beginning with this initial loading.

When completed, the Kudankulam nuclear power plant will feature six VVER-1000 reactors with a combined installed capacity of 6,000 MW.

India's power grid was connected to the first two Kudankulam reactors in 2013 and 2016 respectively.

Construction is currently underway for the remaining four reactors at the facility.

Rosatom reported that during the operation of the first phase's two reactors, Russian and Indian engineers have collaborated extensively to enhance their efficiency through implementing advanced nuclear fuel technologies and extended fuel cycles.