File photo of Kudankulam nuclear power plant.
The second 1,000 MWe unit of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is likely to undergo hot run test from tomorrow during which steam would be released into atmosphere and noise level would go up, a top official today said, asking local public not to be concerned about it.
"The first unit at KNPP is generating 1,000 MWe and so far it has generated 462 crore units. The second unit has got clearance for the hot run from Atomic Energy Regulatory Board," KNPP Site Director RS Sundar said in a statement.
Noting that the test was likely to commence tomorrow, he said, "During the testing, the ambient noise level is likely to go up. It is informed that the tests will be conducted during day time only and there is no need for any concern to the public."
He also reiterated that no tests were conducted at the site which were harmful to the environment and public.
Elaborating about the hot run, he said, "Steam flow path and steam relief devices will be tested. During these tests, only steam release (water vapour) to the atmosphere will take place for a period of 2-3 minutes."
The hot run test for the unit I in 2011 created a scare among locals and the KNPP officials came in for flak for not giving advance information about the exercise.
The first 1000 MWe unit at the Indo-Russian joint venture, which faced prolonged protests from anti-nuclear activists, commenced its commercial operations in December last year.