The Rajasthan Atomic Power Project’s Unit 7 (RAPP-7) has achieved criticality, marking the start of controlled fission at the facility after receiving clearance from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).
RAPP-7 is the third in a series of 16 indigenous pressurised heavy water reactors of 700 MW each being developed by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited. Following this, RAPP-7 will undergo tests before being connected to the grid, with power generation expected to begin this year. RAPP-8, the second unit, is scheduled to start generating power next year, and construction is ongoing.