The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has given its approval for loading fuel at the 1000-MW Unit 1 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.

Sources in the board said that the Nuclear Power Corporation would take about a week's time to load the fuel assemblies.

The approval came after a meeting of the regulatory board on Thursday. This is the last step before the unit starts production of electricity. The board in principle has given its clearance for loading fuel after reviewing various stages of progress of the Unit 1.

An official communication is being sent out to the Nuclear Power Corporation Limited (NPCIL) and the plant authorities in this regard,” said S S Bajaj, Chairman of the AERB.

The Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, V.Narayanswamy said that the nuclear plant will start commercial operation by October this year.

AIR Correspondent reports that the plant has been built with Russia's assistance and will be gradually loaded into thousand megawatt nuclear plant.

Work on the plant was suspended in September last year when Tamil Nadu Government approach the Prime Minister to halt the operations till residents of the area are reassured of their safety.