Rajasthan Atomic Power Station Unit 3 Restarts with Extended 30-Year Lifespan

Rajasthan's atomic energy landscape has seen a significant development with the restart of Unit 3 at the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS-3). This 220 MW nuclear power plant, situated in Rawatbhata, has been reconnected to the grid after an extensive renovation and modernization exercise, extending its operational life by approximately 30 years.

RAPS-3, which commenced operations on June 1, 2000, has been a crucial part of India's nuclear energy infrastructure for over two decades. After more than 22 years of continuous commercial operations, the unit was taken offline on October 27, 2022, for a comprehensive renovation and modernization (R&M) program. This intensive work was successfully completed, and the plant was reconnected to the grid on July 24, 2023.

The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), the plant operator, detailed the significant upgrades carried out during the R&M phase. These upgrades included the Enmasse Coolant Channel Replacement (EMCCR) and Enmasse Feeder Replacement (EMFR), along with other critical enhancements. These efforts were undertaken using precision technologies developed indigenously, highlighting India's advanced capabilities in nuclear technology.

The renovation process, conducted in the core of the Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR), was executed remotely using sophisticated tools. The NPCIL emphasized the safety and efficiency of these operations, noting that the entire job was completed without undue exposure to personnel. This underscores NPCIL's maturity in handling in-core jobs using advanced remotely operated tools, ensuring the safety of the workforce and the surrounding environment.

One of the notable achievements of this project is the completion time. NPCIL reported that the R&M activities for RAPS-3 were completed in the shortest time frame among similar projects in India. Moreover, the project remained within budget constraints despite an increase in prices for certain key components after the commencement of the renovation.

The cost-efficiency of this renovation is another highlight. On a per megawatt basis, the expenditure for R&M of RAPS-3 is significantly lower than that incurred internationally for similar PHWRs. This cost advantage positions India as a potential global leader in providing cost-effective, safe, and precise in-core job services. The success of this project not only reinforces India's capabilities in nuclear power technology but also opens avenues for exporting these services internationally.

The restart of RAPS-3 marks a milestone in India's nuclear energy sector, ensuring continued power generation and contributing to the nation's energy security. The extension of the plant's life by three decades will play a crucial role in meeting the growing energy demands of the region while maintaining a focus on safety and efficiency.