Nuclear Power Corp eyes 12sq.km

With the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) giving go-ahead to nuclear trade with India, the public sector Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPC) is likely to expedite the process of implementation of its proposed 10,000 MW nuclear power plant in Ganjam district of Orissa.

NPC proposed to establish this mega nuclear power project in phases at Pati-Sonepur, on the shores of Bay of Bengal, about 25-km from here.

The survey work is going on by a state government undertaking to assess the NPC's proposal.

"The survey work which was started last year, is yet to be completed", the sources said.

NPC had selected Pati-Sonepur in Ganjam district as an ideal spot for their proposed mega power project after searching several sites across the country.

As the NSG has given its green signal for nuclear trade in India, the NPC is expected to expedite the process of establishment of the proposed nuclear power station at Pati-Sonepur, the energy department sources said. The state government has assured the corporation to extend assistance, if the state was benefited from the plant.

NPC required about 12 sq km area to establish its six units and township.

'We will see how many persons will be displaced for the project and its environmental impact on the nearby villages and towns including Berhampur", said a government officer.

The state’s loss and profit on account of this project will be known after the completion of the survey work, the sources said.

NPC will now expedite the process naturally as several private companies have evinced their interest for setting up of nuclear power plants envisaging an investment of about Rs 2 lakh core within days of NSG's nod, he said.

The private players are not allowed to enter into the area so far.

NCP is the only corporation now generating nuclear power in the country so far.

The Central government is also giving priority on generation of nuclear power in the country as it cheaper than the other sources, he added.