NPCIL searches for land in Andhra for nuclear power plant

The National Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) is scouting for land in Andhra Pradesh to install a nuclear power plant, following West Bengal government's objections to set up the project in state's Haripur town.
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre's director Sekhar Basu who is a board member of the NPCIL, said here today, "We are looking for a site in some coastal area of Andhra Pradesh where a similar reactor, which was meant for Haripur, will come up."
"Talks are on with the state government for a suitable site. Land has to be available," Basu told reporters on the sidelines of a program here.

In 2011, the state government had scrapped the proposed 6,000 MW plant in East Midnapore district's Haripur in collaboration with Russia's state-owned nuclear power equipment and service giant Rosatom.
Local farmers and fishermen, supported by a number of NGOs, had launched an agitation against the project fearing eviction and loss of livelihood.
Basu, however, said if they get permission from the state and Centre, then the project at Haripur will see the light of the day.

"Haripur project is not closed down. If the West Bengal government wants, we can start it anytime. There will be an investment of Rs 100,000 crore. Not only West Bengal, but the entire eastern India will not starve for power anymore if it happens," the Padma Shri awardee nuclear scientist said.

He stressed that if we want a GDP growth rate of about eight per cent every year, then the electricity supply should also grow at the same rate.
"If such a big project comes, then there will be no electricity problem. Nuclear is clean and green energy," Basu said, adding that nuclear will be the main source of energy in the future.