24) Kakrapar Atomic power plant

Question 1

Where is it located ?

Answer 1

Gujarat

Question 2

Significance ?

Answer 2

1) It is the country’s 1st 700MWe (Megawatt electric) unit

2) It is the biggest indigenously developed variant of PHWR (Pressurised Heavy water reactor)

Question 3

Why is it in news ?

Answer 3

The 3rd unit of this power plant has achieved its “First criticality” – a term that signifies the initiation of a Controlled but sustained Nuclear fission reaction

Question 4

Where are the other PHWRs located ?

Answer 4

Tarapur in Maharashtra (540 MWe)

Question 5

What happens in a PHWR ?

Answer 5

1) Natural uranium as a fuel
2) Heavy water (D20) as a coolant
3) Neutron as the moderator

Question 6

Special feature of Kakrapur Plant ?

Answer 6

It addresses the issue of excess “Thermal Margins”

Question 7

What is Thermal Margin ?

Answer 7

Refers to the extent to which the operating temperature of the reactor is below its maximum operating temperature