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New Delhi, Sept. 6 India’s entry into the global civilian nuclear fraternity is unlikely to be just a one-way street in terms of technology flows and business opportunities. India, which has established global leadership in research involving Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR), Fast Breeder Reactors and thorium cycle, hopes to leverage its edge in these niche areas on a commercial basis globally.
The statement of the External Affairs Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, on Friday clearly stated India’s intentions to leverage the opportunity, with the country “interested in participating as a supplier nation, particularly for thorium-based fuel and in establishment of international fuel banks, which also benefit India.”
Besides, India is exploring the possibility of exporting indigenous 220-MWe reactor to developing nations eyeing nuclear power generation but constrained by small-sized electricity grids, as well as capitalising on growing opportunities for heavy water exports out of India.
Also, the interest shown by the French and US firms for industrial cooperation in the manufacture of Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) equipment as well as deployment of thorium technology is likely to be taken forward.
According to Government officials, discussions have already been initiated with French firms for industrial cooperation in the manufacture of PWR equipment in India.
This is envisaged as an important element in enhancing the competitiveness of French reactors worldwide. Besides, companies such as US-based Thorium Power are eyeing India’s R&D edge in the area of thorium research.
“We have been involved in India for many years and are looking at partnering strategies in both the government and private sectors, which will enable us to pursue a number of licensing opportunities… Should the India-US deal be completed, it will also enable us to generate licence-driven revenue within India as well as from international nuclear vendors,” Thorium Power’s President and CEO, Mr Seth Grae, told Business Line in a recent interview.
The Indo-US deal could clear the decks for India to enter the global nuclear trade, following which the export of indigenous reactors and services could be viewed as a viable commercial proposition, an official said. Several Asean countries have been eyeing the nuclear option, with Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand among those that have announced plans to tap nuclear energy.
Globally, the major developers of nuclear reactors in the EU and North America have moved on to larger reactor sizes of 700 MWe or 1,000 MWe and above.
India stands out in having an active nuclear power programme using 220 MWe reactors, with 12 such reactors currently in operation and another three under construction.
India is also likely to play a role in international fuel bank initiatives, starting with Russia’s offer to India to invest in its upcoming international uranium enrichment centre at Angarsk, Siberia, in lieu of paying for nuclear fuel to be supplied to the Koodankulam nuclear station, which is being built with Russian assistance.
Russia has committed to refuel the Koodankulam station throughout its service. The project’s first unit, being built in collaboration with Russian firm Atomstroyexport, is likely to be commissioned in the second half of 2008, the second one in 2009.
The Angarsk International Uranium Enrichment Centre is being set up by Russia for supply of uranium to countries with nuclear energy programmes under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. Russia is establishing the project in collaboration with countries such as Kazakhstan under the supervision of the nuclear watchdog at the Angarsk Electrolysis Chemical Plant in Eastern Siberia.