In Tamil Nadu, Kudankulam nuclear power project's first unit may soon get regulatory clearance for its first approach to criticality. When the atom-splitting reactor of a nuclear power plant is operating normally, it is said to be 'critical' or in a state of 'criticality.'    

The Kudankulam unit is now awaiting clearance from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) for its first approach. One more step is required to be crossed towards criticality. AERB will give its nod to Nuclear Power Corp of India (NPCIL), which is setting up the Kudankulam plant after a satisfactory safety review, a top official said.    

AERB Secretary R Bhattacharya said that AERB is currently reviewing the first approach to criticality. A high level observer team is at the project site, which is giving daily reports to our headquarters, which are subsequently reviewed.    

AERB secretary’s statement is crucial when the Kudankulam project site Director RS Sundar recently had told that NPC has already approached AERB to seek various clearances. He had informed that the Kudankulam project may achieve criticality by end of May and after 25 days the power generation will begin.