Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Unit-3 (ANI photo) MUMBAI: The fifth unit of the 1,000-MW Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project in Tamil Nadu—a joint Indo-Russian project—crossed a significant milestone on Monday with the erection of reactor pressure vessel inside the reactor building for its fifth unit, according to Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). Current indications suggest that the fifth unit is slated to become operational towards the end of this year.This was done after clearance from Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. The reactor pressure vessel is the heart of a nuclear power plant that houses the reactor core where nuclear fission reaction takes place. The vessel, weighing approximately 320 tonnes, was lifted and installed using a specialised heavy-lift crane.NPCIL said, “This milestone reflects the close coordination and dedicated efforts of NPCIL and Atomstroyexport, Russian Federation. The successful erection of the vessel demonstrates the steady progress being made towards the completion of Unit 5, reinforcing NPCIL’s commitment towards nation’s clean energy transition,” it said.The Kudankulam site comprises six units, each of 1,000 MW capacity. Of this, units 1 and 2 are already operational. As of May 2026, they have cumulatively generated about 130 billion units of electricity, averting the release of about 112 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent into the environment.According to NPCIL, the third and fourth units are at an advanced stage of construction. The fifth and sixth units are at different stages of construction and are planned to be commissioned progressively. “Upon completion of these projects, Kudankulam site will have a total installed capacity of 6,000 MW,” it said.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia–Oman Coordination Brings Breakthrough: Indian Crew Rescued Safely”People Began Jumping Out…”: Passenger Recounts Dreading MP Rail Accident Moments’Not Just People, Even Bangladeshi Parties Are Infiltrating’: Adhir Ranjan’s Jibe Amid TMC CrisisBhagwant Mann Faces Akal Takht Rebuke; Sikh Body Summons Punjab CabinetPM Modi Elevates India-Slovakia Ties To Comprehensive Partnership During Historic Bratislava VisitNCERT’s New Class 9 Textbook Alters Mohenjo-daro’s Iconic Dancing Girl, Triggers DebateAbhijeet Dipke Allegedly Slapped At Jaipur Protest, Viral Video Shows Crowd Turning On Accused Man‘My Brother Was Murdered’: Gyan Bindu Director Roshan Anand’s Big Charge Against Khan SirMP Kapil Sibal Flags Constitutional Breach in TMC Rebels’ Merger AttemptTwo Pak Military Pilots Die After Pakistan Air Force’s Training Aircraft Goes Down In Mardan123PhotostoriesSushmita Sen to Mandira Bedi: 5 bollywood actresses who chose adoption and redefined motherhoodSuccess quote of the day by Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah: “I always think about small details because…”Your child is not your therapist; 5 hidden ways sharing marital problems affect kids and what can parents do insteadBest national parks in Karnataka: 8 wildlife destinations for tiger safari and birdwatching5 foods a doctor eats to fight fatty liver disease6 foods desi pehalwans ate before protein supplements became a trend10 types of people that drain your energy and peace of mind without realising it, as per psychologistUK to ban social media for under-16s: 5 countries that are already restricting children’s access onlineWhy your blood sugar may rise in summer even when you’re eating ‘Healthy,’ and the smart swaps that can helpYoga for healthy ageing: Understanding the theme of International Yoga Day 2026123Hot PicksIndia A vs Sri Lanka A live scoreAbhijeet DipkeTarique RahmanGreen Card NewsLamine YamalDana WhiteNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET UG Paper Leak ScamFIFA World Cup 2026Aldon SmithNoida AirportITR filing FY 2025-26CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Shreyanka PatilSpain vs Cabo Match Preview
MUMBAI: The fifth unit of the 1,000-MW Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project in Tamil Nadu—a joint Indo-Russian project—crossed a significant milestone on Monday with the erection of reactor pressure vessel inside the reactor building for its fifth unit, according to Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). Current indications suggest that the fifth unit is slated to become operational towards the end of this year.This was done after clearance from Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. The reactor pressure vessel is the heart of a nuclear power plant that houses the reactor core where nuclear fission reaction takes place. The vessel, weighing approximately 320 tonnes, was lifted and installed using a specialised heavy-lift crane.NPCIL said, “This milestone reflects the close coordination and dedicated efforts of NPCIL and Atomstroyexport, Russian Federation. The successful erection of the vessel demonstrates the steady progress being made towards the completion of Unit 5, reinforcing NPCIL’s commitment towards nation’s clean energy transition,” it said.The Kudankulam site comprises six units, each of 1,000 MW capacity. Of this, units 1 and 2 are already operational. As of May 2026, they have cumulatively generated about 130 billion units of electricity, averting the release of about 112 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent into the environment.According to NPCIL, the third and fourth units are at an advanced stage of construction. The fifth and sixth units are at different stages of construction and are planned to be commissioned progressively. “Upon completion of these projects, Kudankulam site will have a total installed capacity of 6,000 MW,” it said.
