 "Alexey Pimenov")
How has your journey been in India?
Construction of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant (NPP) in Tamil Nadu is the largest joint Russian-Indian project in the energy sector. The Russian Federation has provided technical assistance to India for the construction of power units 1 and 2 of the project with VVER- 1,000 reactors, which have a generation capacity of 1,000 Mw each. Unit 1 is generating power and the performance figures have exceeded design expectations. Efficiency of the first unit is 2.4 per cent, 2.5 per cent higher than expected. In fact, India obtained a more advanced product than planned initially. Unit 2 is complete and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) has to decide the date of commissioning.
What is the present state of units 3 and 4?
The construction has begun. According to NPCIL, these units are likely to be completed by 2023-24.
Are talks with NPCIL for the supply of reactors for units 5 and 6 over?
We have made progress on the General Framework Agreement and credit protocol for units 5 and 6. The documents are likely to be signed by the end of December. Kudankulam is the first nuclear plant in India using VVER-1000 reactors. We believe India has the potential to become an important hub of nuclear energy in Asia. The distinguishing feature of the project is that power units are well equipped with a unique combination of active and passive safety systems, which provides maximum resistance against external and internal influences.
The passive safety systems are capable of functioning even in case of a complete loss of power supply. They can provide full safety without the active systems and an operator.
How equipped is Rosatom to supply six more reactors under the 2014 Strategic vision document between Russia and India?
Apart from the Kudankulam project, Russia and India are considering the possibility of constructing a range of power units. These are practical measures for executing an extremely important document signed on December 11, 2014, titled “Strategic Vision For Strengthening Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy Between the Russian Federation and the Republic of India”.
At present, it has been agreed that the India shall allocate another site for six power units of Russian design. We hope to receive more information on the second site from the Indian party soon. So far, there has been no official announcement from India. We are ready to offer the newest generation-III VVER-1200 power units. These reactors will be economically efficient.
In Russia, we have already constructed and commissioned the first NPP in the world with a Generation-III reactor — VVER-1200 Mw at Novovoronezh NPP-2. It affords our potential clients an opportunity to ‘touch’ the finished product and to see various stages of its implementation at the Novovoronezh NPP-II, which is visited by numerous foreign delegations, including Indian representatives.
What efforts are being made to increase localisation for equipment supply?
We are negotiating with equipment manufacturers in India. Multiple options, including joint ventures, are being explored. With each new unit, the localisation will grow.
