India's nuclear power regulator the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has given its clearance for the erection of major equipment at the two units of 700 MW each (7 & 8) of Rajasthan Atomic Power project.
The state-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd NPCIL), which will develop these units based on pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs), will however, have to strictly comply with 10 various conditions laid down by AERB while giving its approval.
The state-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd NPCIL), which will develop these units based on pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs), will however, have to strictly comply with 10 various conditions laid down by AERB while giving its approval.
These two reactors are part of 19 new reactors with a total capacity of 17,400 MW where the construction will begin during the ongoing 12th five year plan.
NPCIL will have to incorporate safety measures suggested after Fukushima accident which took place in March 2011. These safety measures suggested by high level committee headed by former AERB chairman consist of three layers of power back ups, water pipes drawn from off-site locations, elevated water towers and options for injecting nitrogen to prevent explosions. Further, units 7 & 8 will have diesel generators and battery back up to supplement a nuclear plant's regular power supply in an emergency shutdown. Besides, these units will be supplied by alternate water sources that will not be vulnerable to disruption.
This apart, NPCIL will have to ensure availability of design documents of all major equipment prior to their erection, submission of comprehensive document on radiological impact assessment and it will have to give an utmost importance to industrial and fire safety aspects for all activities at the units 7&8 of the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station.
AERB had given sitting consent for units 7&8 on May 24, 2010 and subsequently clearance of site excavation for the project was granted on Augusut 18, 2010 and later clearance for first pour of concrete on July 16, 2011. NPCIL had submitted its application seeking clearance for erection of major equipment on May 9, 2014.