Russia’s state-run nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, has delivered the first batch of nuclear fuel for the initial loading of the third reactor at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) in Tamil Nadu. The development coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s arrival in New Delhi for the annual India–Russia bilateral summit, underscoring the strategic importance of nuclear cooperation between the two nations.

According to an official statement released on Thursday, a cargo aircraft operated by Rosatom’s Nuclear Fuel Division transported the initial set of fuel assemblies manufactured by the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant. This delivery marks the beginning of the fuel-loading preparations for Unit-3 of the Kudankulam facility, which is India’s largest nuclear power project built in collaboration with Russia.

Rosatom confirmed that a total of seven flights are scheduled to transport the full reactor core along with additional reserve fuel. These deliveries are being made under a long-term contract inked in 2024 that guarantees fuel supply for Units 3 and 4—both VVER-1000 light-water reactors—throughout their operational lifetime, beginning from the first core loading.

Expanding India–Russia Nuclear Partnership

The Kudankulam project stands as a flagship symbol of India–Russia civil nuclear cooperation. Russia remains the only nation to have constructed a nuclear power plant in India over the past several decades. Once fully completed, the plant will house six VVER-1000 reactors with a combined generation capacity of 6,000 MW.

Units 1 and 2 of the Kudankulam plant, commissioned in 2013 and 2016 respectively, are already operational and supply power to India’s southern grid. The remaining four reactors—Units 3 to 6—are currently under various stages of construction.

Rosatom highlighted that during the operational phase of Units 1 and 2, Russian and Indian engineers have extensively collaborated to enhance performance and efficiency. Their work has included the adoption of advanced nuclear fuel and extended fuel cycles—steps that have contributed to improved reliability and reduced operational costs.

Introduction of Advanced TVS-2M Fuel

Since 2022, Kudankulam has been using the modern TVS-2M fuel model, which Rosatom describes as a next-generation high-efficiency fuel design. The fuel’s rigid structure, improved anti-debris filtration, and enhanced uranium mass contribute to a more stable and cost-effective reactor operation.

One of the key achievements associated with this upgrade has been the extension of the fuel cycle from 12 months to 18 months. This means the reactors now require fewer shutdowns for refueling, allowing them to remain online for longer periods and generate more electricity without compromising safety.

Rosatom noted that the second phase of the Kudankulam project—comprising Units 3 and 4—will be the first set of VVER-1000 reactors globally to begin operations directly with an 18-month fuel cycle. This milestone reflects the maturity of engineering collaboration between Rosatom and Indian nuclear institutions, as well as the successful adaptation of solutions previously deployed at similar reactors in Russia and China.

Long-Term Fuel Supply and Engineering Support

Rosatom reiterated its commitment to supplying nuclear fuel throughout the operational lifespan of reactors built with Russian technology. In addition to fuel provisioning, the corporation provides engineering and technical support aimed at improving reactor performance, enhancing fuel efficiency, and implementing the latest advancements in nuclear fuel design.

The timely delivery of the initial fuel consignment for Unit-3 signifies a major step forward in the commissioning schedule of the next phase of the Kudankulam plant. It also highlights India’s ongoing efforts to expand its clean energy infrastructure through global partnerships.

As President Putin engages with Indian leaders during the bilateral summit, the advancement at Kudankulam is expected to feature prominently in discussions surrounding energy cooperation, strategic technology partnerships, and long-term collaboration in peaceful nuclear development.

With the project steadily progressing, Kudankulam remains central to India’s ambitions to strengthen its nuclear power capacity, reduce carbon emissions, and expand the share of clean energy in its national power mix.