In order to support the country?s future nuclear power programme, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh?as the minister in-charge of the department of atomic energy?has given an in-principle approval to Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) for setting up an integrated melting and forging facility for future nuclear power reactors in India.
Nuclear power reactors (PHWR, FBR and LWR) require forgings made of a range of steel varieties in various shapes and sizes. India is planning to set up eight 700 mw PHWRs (pressurised heavy water reactors) and three FBRs (fast breed reactors) of 500 mw each in the near future. In addition, there are plans to start work on 10 LWRs (light water reactor) based on imported technology, depending on obtaining a waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
The forgings required for the nuclear power reactors are now being imported. Considering that foreign suppliers are booked for the next 3-4 years and are not keen to take further bookings without charging the opportunity cost, it is felt that setting up of the reactors will face supply constraints.
The new facility is expected to cost around Rs 2,500-3,000 crore and will be set up jointly by NPCIL and L&T. A Cabinet note has been readied and the proposal will be placed before the Cabinet committee on economic affairs for approval.
?Considering the nuclear renaissance taking place all over the world and the fact that foreign vendors for forgings for nuclear power plants are heavily booked, it is felt that depending on imports alone for these forgings would have serious implications on the completion schedule of the nuclear power plants proposed to be set up. It is, therefore, essential that a suitable integrated melting and forging facility is set up in the country at the earliest,? principal adviser, DAE, VP Raja, wrote to the power ministry while forwarding the Cabinet note.