Russian firm Rusatom Automated Control Systems (RASU JSC) has successfully tested the In-Core Instrumentation System (ICIS) and System for Integrated Analysis (SIA) for Unit 3 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in India. These subsystems play a crucial role in acquiring, analyzing, and transmitting information about the reactor's condition to the Main Control Room. The ICIS, which is a significant component of the Instrumentation and Control System, is responsible for monitoring nuclear fuel and reactor safety parameters.

In addition, the Humidity Leak Monitoring System and Acoustic Leak Monitoring System are employed to identify potential leaks, ensuring the safety and reliability of the plant. These tests were conducted by the Russian government-run Rosatom State Corporation and representatives from India at the Specialized Scientific Research Institute for Instrumentation Engineering, managed by RASU JSC, in Maslennikova.

Acceptance tests and comprehensive integration tests were performed to ensure the functionality and efficiency of the equipment. Upon successful testing, the critical equipment will be shipped to the Kudankulam nuclear plant in Tamil Nadu before the end of 2023. This will mark an important milestone in the progress of the Kudankulam project. Dmitry Kukushkin, the head of Kudankulam NPP I&C Project Office at RASU JSC, highlighted the significance of these subsystems, stating that they are integral to the reactor monitoring, control, and diagnostic system. He emphasized that the equipment was specifically designed to meet the technical requirements of Kudankulam NPP units 3 and 4, which have VVER-1000 reactors.

Kukushkin noted that similar equipment, developed in collaboration with the NRC Kurchatov Institute, has been successfully operating at Units 1 and 2 of the Kudankulam plant for nearly two decades. The successful testing and imminent deployment of these critical subsystems reaffirm the commitment of both Russia and India to the safe and efficient operation of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. The collaboration between the two countries in this venture holds great promise in meeting India's growing energy needs while ensuring the highest standards of safety in nuclear power generation.