GE, Areva may tie up with domestic firms for reactors

Leading global nuclear equipment manufacturers such as General Electric, Toshiba Corporation’s Westinghouse, Rosatom of Russia and Areva of France may form joint ventures with Indian companies to manufacture new generation light water reactors (LWR) and related equipment in India.

Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL), the country’s nuclear power manager, has initiated discussions with these companies and will act as a facilitator for equipment manufacturing deals.

“We are looking at one or two vendors to join hands with Indian companies. Our initial role will be that of a facilitator. If required, we will also pick up equity in the ventures,” said SK Jain, chairman and managing director of NPCIL.

India, which envisages 63,000 MW of nuclear capacity by 2032 from around 40 new reactors, plans to begin work on ten LWRs in the current five-year plan.

LWRs are cooled and moderated by the use of ordinary water. The use of ordinary water necessitates certain amount of enrichment of uranium for the criticality of these reactors.