Areva, the France-based nuclear energy major, would be supplying sound and safe reactors for the Jaitapur project in Maharashtra, Chairman and Managing Director for India Arthur Montalembert tells Sanjay Jog. Edited excerpts:
The central and state governments have said there would be no shortcuts on environment protection for Jaitapur.
Looking for shortcuts is not part of our culture. Areva’s Evolutionary Power Reactor (EPR) is incorporating the most advanced features and systems, based on the experience from decades of operation of the 100-plus reactors supplied. We are confident EPR can meet the regulatory requirements.
How sound are they?
The EPR reactor to be built in India will meet Indian regulatory requirements as defined by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and the ministry of environment. It is the latest in nuclear technology, simultaneously being deployed in Finland, France and China and soon in the UK, US and Italy, too, as an integral part of the global nuclear renaissance.
How safe are the EPRs?
The basic concept is that of a safe box. Nothing that happens inside the box can have an impact on the environment and nothing that happens outside the box can have an impact inside. Containment building and safety systems are designed in such a way to ensure the safe box concept is always maintained, whatever happens during the reactor’s lifetime.
How are your negotiations with Nuclear Power Corporation?
Progressing well. Areva is ready to sign the first commercial contracts to start working on the project.
