India's atomic power generator, Nuclear Power Corporation (NPC), does not foresee problems in implementation of capacity addition plans, despite the global Nuclear Suppliers Group's new guidelines on uranium enrichment and reprocessing. In an interview with Sanjay Jog, its chairman and managing director, S K Jain, speaks on this and allied issues. Edited excerpts:
Will the recent guidelines on sensitive uranium enrichment and reprocessing issued by the Nuclear Suppliers Group hit our capacity addition programme, both indigenous and through foreign reactors?
The inter-governmental agreements signed by India with the Russian Federation, France, USA, UK, Canada and Namibia have been concluded for setting up of nuclear power reactors of large capacity, essentially light water reactors (LWRs). These bilateral agreements provide for full nuclear commerce in respect of these reactors, including lifetime guarantees on the fuel, that will be built into the contracts. So, I do not expect the Indian nuclear programme to be impacted due to NSG’s guidelines.
India has been pursuing a three-stage indigenous nuclear power programme, comprising Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) and thermal breeders. The country has fully developed the front end and the back end of the first stage and the second stage. The supply chain in respect of the first and the second stage has also been developed within the country.
Currently, 18 PHWRs of 220 Mw and 540 Mw capacities are under safe and reliable operation for several years. In addition, 700 Mw PHWR-type reactors have also been designed indigenously. The construction work of four 700 Mq PHWRs has begun, two each at Kakrapar and Rawatbhata. So, it can be seen that the indigenous nuclear power programme is robust and on course. This indigenous three-stage programme will remain unaffected. Regarding LWRs based on international cooperation, these are additionalities to our indigenous programme and are envisaged for rapid nuclear power capacity addition.
What is the fate of various inter-government deals signed by India with countries due to these guidelines? How will they benefit India in getting nuclear reactors, enrichment and reprocessing technologies?
The Inter-Government bilateral agreements mentioned earlier for procurement of reactors and associated supplies provide for unconditional nuclear trade with India. The technical and commercial offers/contracts will be concluded within the scope of international agreements. The cost, rates and regulatory aspects, especially relating to safety, are key features. The suppliers of nuclear reactors need certification from the regulators in their respective countries and meet conditions laid down by the Indian nuclear regulator. The emphasis is on competitive rates of nuclear power compared to thermal power projects. Besides, the cost of the reactors has to be structured to make the project economically viable in India.
Your organisation and the Department of Atomic Energy were present at the recent International Atomic Energy Agency’s ministerial conference. What was the outcome?
The key outcome was reaching an understanding to encourage the close cooperation and coordination among the relevant inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations on nuclear safety. It emphasised on the benefits of strengthened and high-quality independent international safety expert assessments, within the established IAEA framework, through periodic reviews and evaluation missions assessing national regulatory frameworks, emergency preparedness and response and nuclear power plant operations. The key takeaway is to have closer international cooperation and information sharing on nuclear safety and security.
How is India reviewing emergency preparedness, both onsite and off?
Onsite and offsite emergency preparedness plans are in place at each nuclear power station. These are a requisite for starting a nuclear power plant. The onsite and offsite emergency exercises for verifying and validating the emergency preparedness are done periodically, in the frequency stipulated by the regulatory procedures. These exercises are a good tool to validate the plans and procedures. These exercises also help in training of plant persons, state officials involved and members of the public in the areas surrounding the nuclear plants. Necessary improvements are made based on feedback from these exercises.
The situation at Fukushima is still evolving and lessons are being drawn. These will be incorporated suitably in our emergency preparedness plans and procedures.