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New Delhi, Oct. 21 India is planning to scout for uranium supplies from countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to fuel existing domestic nuclear power plants, which are currently running at half their installed capacity due to fuel shortages.

The country is also exploring the possibility of joint mining and exploration initiatives in countries such as Mongolia to secure long-term uranium sourcing arrangements, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on the Indo-US nuclear deal, Mr Shyam Saran, said here.

“We are working out (uranium) supply arrangements with countries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan... We are also planning to carry out joint mining and exploration initiatives with Mongolia,” Mr Saran said at an interaction organised by FICCI on Civil Nuclear issue on Tuesday.

Mr Saran also said that the current global financial turmoil could lead to a slowdown in the global nuclear power market and, thereby, bringing down reactor and fuel prices.

“The current financial crisis can be a blessing in disguise… This creates a favourable condition for India to embark on a truly ambitious nuclear programme, getting the best terms and conditions, including technology transfer,” he said.

Mr Saran favoured an active role for the Indian private industry in the nuclear sector, which would “certainly enable a rapid expansion” of the potential in the nuclear business. The Government is looking to amend the Atomic Energy Act 1962, and putting in place an elaborate regulatory and licensing system at an “appropriate time” to facilitate the entry of private players in the nuclear sector, he added.

Mr Saran noted that most of the 17 nuclear power plants across the country were generating power at efficiency levels of around 54 per cent, which could go up to well over 80 per cent, if fuel was made available. The waiver from the 45-member NSG has given India a wide choice of suppliers of nuclear fuel, equipment and technologies, he added.

“We will be able to get nuclear supplies on the best terms and conditions as there are more suppliers available now,” Mr Saran said. The waiver has also enabled India to source dual-use technologies, trade in which was banned after India conducted the nuclear tests.

After inking the nuclear deal with the US, India has indicated to the Americans that reactor supply contracts for up to 10,000 MWe could be sourced from them, subject to the “best terms and conditions”.

He also said a liability framework for enabling entry of private players was in the works. “For the US private sector firms to enter India, adherence to a liability framework is needed… this is also under process,” he added.

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