The Hindu Business Line : Russia may build 10 N-power units

Nuclear nuances
Of the close to 250 water-cooled reactors world over, 49 are Russian VVERs
1,000 MW `VVER-1000' water-cooled reactors built at Koodankulam likely to be used for some new units as well

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New Delhi Jan. 27 The fresh impetus to Indo-Russian nuclear power collaboration could see Russia building up to 10 nuclear units across various sites in India, subject to the progress made by the country in its forthcoming negotiations with the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Russia has already agreed to four additional units at Koodankulam atomic station, while six more units could be on the anvil across more sites here, the Russia's Federal Atomic Energy Agency (RosAtom) representatives who accompanied President Vladimir Putin have conveyed to the Indian Government during bilateral discussions.

Over 100 Russian firms are already involved in the setting up of two under-construction 1,000-MW units in Koodankulam, most of whom are looking at bagging contracts from the proposed new projects since the Russian assistance comes with the caveat that the equipment has to be of Russian design. The projects would, however, be funded by India, which would have to bear the investment risks, including the threat of fuel supply disruptions. The Russians are expected to carry out the draft documentation, supply equipment, construction and equipping process as well as train Indian operators at Russian enterprises and subsequently at the nuclear facilities.

It is likely that the 1,000 MW `VVER-1,000' water-cooled reactors, being built at Koodankulam's under-construction station, could be used for some of the new units as well. There are close to 250 water-cooled reactors in use worldwide, of which 49 are Russian VVERs.

The Koodankulam units have special devices that intercept, cool and localise core melt in case of an accident — a kind of concrete trap situated under the reactor.

Besides, the units are protected from possible earthquakes, hurricanes, air crashes. The two existing units, located on the Indian Ocean coast, have already survived a tsunami, with the tidal waves being stopped by a special wave cutter.

Senior Government officials, who interacted with RosAtom representatives on Thursday, said though the Russian side has admitted to apprehensions about US competition in the Indian nuclear power market in the light of the Indo-US civil nuclear deal, the vast potential thrown up by the country's nuclear energy development programme is a big draw among the Russian nuclear equipment firms.

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