NPC shortlists Kazakhstan for N-reactor exports

State-run Nuclear Power Corporation (NPC), which is in the process of increasing generation capacity to 63,000 Mw by 2032 from the present level of 4,560 Mw, has shortlisted Kazakhstan to export reactors in the range of 220 Mw, 540 Mw and 700 Mw capacities.

Kazakhstan has more than 15 per cent of global reserves of uranium, a key source of nuclear energy. Subsequently, NPC would consider exporting these reactors to some South Asian countries and Turkey.

Currently, of the 19 reactors in operation, 17 are designed and manufactured by NPC, while the remaining two are procured from GE-Hitachi.

NPC’s move to explore the export option is also significant when it has been currently engaged in talks with GE-Hitachi, Areva, Westinghouse and Rosatom for importing reactors for its proposed nuclear capacity addition.

An NPC official, who did not want to be named, told Business Standard: “The choice of Kazakhstan is quite obvious as it would need small- to medium-sized reactors in the range of 220 Mw, 540 Mw and 700 Mw. NPC has got the expertise and proven track record. Besides, Kazakhstan would always look at the competitive Asian cost compared to the higher European cost.”

The decision to shortlist Kazakhstan comes on the back of a memorandum of understanding signed between India and Kazakhstan in January to work towards a feasibility study on nuclear power projects in Kazakhstan on the basis of Indian pressurized heavy water reactor designs.

More details with regard to exports of reactors would be worked out in due course of time, the official informed.

Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Srikumar Banerjee has opined that India has the potential to become an export hub of reactors which are in operation and being developed.