Kudankulam Unit 3 Fuel Arrives as Putin Visits India, Boosting Nuclear Plans

• Putin's visit to India focused on energy cooperation, highlighting the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) as a "flagship project."
• KKNPP Unit 3 received its first batch of nuclear fuel from Russia's Rosatom, moving it closer to "first criticality."
• The new fuel for Unit 3 allows for longer 18-month fuel cycles, enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs.
• Kudankulam, India's largest nuclear installation, is crucial for India's "Net Zero by 2070" agenda and grid stability.
• Russia is also promoting cooperation in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in India, with both nations exploring localization.

Why It Matters: This fuels India's clean energy future and solidifies its strategic partnership with Russia.