The total nuclear power generation in the country is set to reach 6,000 Mw within the next one year, according to Union Minister of State for Commerce and Power Jairam Ramesh.
The present nuclear power generation is only to the tune of 1,800 Mw, against an installed capacity of 4,120 Mw. Shortage of nuclear fuel has plagued the nuclear power sector, Ramesh said in a press conference here today.
“Signing of the Indo-US Civil nuclear deal has paved way for the growth of nuclear sector in the country,” he added.
Following the deal, NPCIL has signed an agreement with Russia for supply of 2,000 tonne of uranium for its nuclear power plants. It has also signed another agreement with French energy major Areva for supply of two European pressurised reactors of 1,650 Mw capacity each, for the nuclear power plant being set up by NPCIL at Jaitapur, Maharashtra.
The minister also stated that India plans to generate 20,000 Mw of nuclear power by 2020 and the process of identifying the process is on. He, however ruled out, any possibility of private sector players setting up nuclear power plants in the first phase.