Rosatom CEO expects Kudankulam nuclear unit 3 startup in 2027

Aleksey Likhachev, CEO of Rosatom, announced that the third unit of India’s Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is nearing its physical startup phase. The startup, which involves loading nuclear fuel to achieve a controlled chain reaction, is expected to begin in the spring of 2027, specifically between February and March.

Likhachev noted that over 99% of the necessary equipment has already been supplied. The Kudankulam plant, located in Tamil Nadu, is a collaborative project between the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) and Atomstroyexport, a division of Rosatom.

Looking ahead, Likhachev indicated that commissioning operations for the fourth unit are expected by the end of next year, while the fifth and sixth units are projected to begin commissioning in 2028 or 2029. The project relies on Russian technology, design, and enriched uranium fuel, with Indian engineers performing construction alongside Russian advisors.