Governments across the globe are taking a fresh look at the safety of their nuclear power plants. This promises new business opportunities for nuclear power services companies like France?s Onet Technologies, a subsidiary of the 1.35-billion-euro Onet Group. The French company has set up a joint venture?Onet Technologies India?with Delhi-based energy firm PCI Ltd to tap opportunities in India. In an email interview with FE?s Subhash Narayan, Onet Technologies president Dominique Mouillot discusses her company?s business plans for India. Excerpts:
What services do you offer and what are your business plans for India?
Onet provides technical, maintenance, waste management and project management support for the nuclear industry. In India the focus will be on complete transfer of technology solutions in design engineering, nuclear plant management and services in related areas. Initially, the JV will train Indian nuclear technologists in nuclear power services and also offer solutions. In the second phase it will look at setting up a dedicated R&D facility as the business evolves. The JV has already initiated talks with the nuclear power industry in the country, which has shown interest in Onet?s technologies.
What are the lessons from Japan’s nuclear crisis?
The nuclear plants were built to withstand natural calamities like earthquakes. But tsunami was not factored in. Reactors should be equipped with additional safety features so that they can withstand the impact of natural disasters of the magnitude seen in Japan.
By what time will the joint venture become fully operational? Do you intend to bring in your engineering support team here?
It is too early to comment on this. If required, the JV is prepared to support the customer in all perspectives, including providing a engineering support team from Europe.
What is your assessment of the safety standards of nuclear installations in India?
The Indian nuclear establishment has a strong safety record. As per our understanding, the plants meet all the latest international safety norms. Onet is keen to partner and support the existing players in every way required to ensure the safety of the plants. Onet, through its new JV, can offer all its technological expertise gained by 33 years of operations in the nuclear power field to the Indian establishment. We can also offer the latest advancements in safety parameters to help the Indian nuclear industry stay prepared to face any calamity safely.
Disposal of nuclear waste is a big challenge. What solutions are on offer by Onet in this regard?
Nuclear waste cannot be treated like any other waste. Onet is known for its expertise in handling and managing nuclear waste.
Do you also plan to expand your R&D operations in India, as the government has envisaged a huge capacity addition programme?
In nuclear maintenance, each project needs tailor-made design and engineering solutions. For this reason even normal servicing work requires some sort of R&D. The new JV is committed to providing R&D. As for setting up an R&D facility, it is very much in the plans and we will set up facilities, one or more, as the business evolves and the demand for such activities increase.
Are you involved in any way in the global exercise to contain radiation leaks from Japanese power plants?
Yes, we are. We have partnership with Mitsubishi in Japan. Our team has offered the services of Onet to assist the local authorities in dealing with the disaster.