Chennai:India has drawn up an ambitious plan to reach a nuclear power capacity of 63,000MW in 2032 by setting up of 16 indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) each, including ten based on reprocessed uranium, a top Nuclear Power Corporation Limited (NPCIL) official on Monday said.
“Out of the total target of 63,000MW, about 40,000MW will be generated through Light Water Reactors (LWR) with international cooperation,” NPCIL chairman and managing director S K Jain said.
He stated this at the second International Conference on Asian Nuclear Prospects (ANUP-2010) organised by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) in association with the Indian Nuclear Society and International Atomic Agency at Mamallapuram, about 50 km from Chennai.
He also said India would export 220MW, 540MW and 700MW PHWRs by 2032. Beyond 2032, large capacity addition would be taken up by setting up metallic fuel FBRs and introduction of reactors based on thorium 232 and uranium 233 fuel cycle.
Currently, India was in a position for setting up its export model 220MW PHWR in friendly countries, he said.
“Countries with existing nuclear power projects and expansion plans have to face key challenges such as continued efforts in achieving enhanced safety and reliability in the existing and future nuclear power projects”, he said, adding these countries should also retain the public confidence.
Other challenges, including retaining the necessary human resource competencies, reinforcing nuclear safety and security, management of spent fuel and radioactive waste, maintaining confidence in nuclear non-proliferation and achieving, for the long term, effective and sustainable use of resources are ahead for the countries that looking for expansion plans in nuclear power projects.
He also said large pool of technical manpower, developed nuclear technologies, including fuel cycle and waste management, developed industry and allied infrastructure, proven safety and cost advantages were the strengths of Asia in the nuclear sector.