Indian Civil Nuclear News & Discussions.

[xuxu1457]

India & Britain ready to sign the nuclear deal

A declaration on civil nuclear cooperation between India and Britain appears to be on the anvil when commerce minister Anand Sharma visits here next month. This was indicated by Lord Peter Mandelson, British secretary of state for business, innovation and skills.

In an exclusive interview, Mandelson confirmed: "We are indeed working with the Indian government on closer relations in the sharing of civil nuclear technology. I hope that I will be able to sign a civil nuclear cooperation declaration with minister Sharma early this year."

Mandelson was said to be disappointed that such an agreement was not concluded during his visit to Delhi last month. According to a source at the Indian High Commission here, India objected to a non-proliferation clause in the draft submitted by the UK.

However, even if the mentioned declaration is signed next month, this cannot become operational until New Delhi changes its policy of restricting nuclear collaboration to public sector entities. Most potential British suppliers of technology for generation of nuclear energy are in the private sector.
The same hurdle is, reportedly, holding up implementation of contracts with US companies. In contrast, such firms in France and Russia are generally government owned.

Mandelson, seen as the most powerful person in the British cabinet after Prime Minister Gordon Brown and an architect of New Labour, a concept that catapulted the Labour party to office in 1997 after 18 years in opposition — has rapidly acquired a reputation of being an enthusiast on India.

India, Britain set to sign nuclear deal - UK - World - The Times of India

look ,and you will know what the British want

 

[haawk]

India put a large number of money on buying weapons,and every coutry want to have a piece of meat,include Us Russia Eur and so on.

do you know what "civilian" nuclear deal means

 

[Invictus]

Im keeping my fingers crossed for some really big India-China deal.Lots of positive developments or going on recently.The most important thing is both the countries recognise each other as growing economic powers.Lets see wat happens in the future..

 

[AnGrz_Z_K_Jailer]

India gives West Bengal nuclear plant environmental clearance

21:3014/01/2010
The Indian government has given the environmental okay to the construction of a nuclear plant in the state of West Bengal, the Times of India newspaper reported.

The construction of the plant, to be built with the participation of Russia, will take place in Haripur in the East Midnapores district.

"We have received environment clearance for the Haripur nuclear power plant project," Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh told journalists.

During his visit to Moscow in December, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh discussed cooperation with Russia in the nuclear sphere, as well as other issues.

Moscow and Delhi are already working together on a number of nuclear projects. Russia's nuclear chief Sergei Kiriyenko said in December that the first reactor of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in India would be launched in 2010 as scheduled.

Atomstroyexport, Russia's nuclear power equipment and service export monopoly, has been building two reactors for the plant since 2002 in line with a 1988 deal between India and the Soviet Union and an addendum signed 10 years later.

NEW DELHI, January 14 (RIA Novosti)


Source : India gives West Bengal nuclear plant environmental clearance | Top Russian news and analysis online | 'RIA Novosti' newswire

 

[Lankan Ranger]

India & France Exchanged Instruments of Ratification of Agreement on Civil Nuclear

India and France today exchanged the instruments of ratification of the agreement on civil nuclear energy cooperation, bringing into force the historic deal that will give French nuclear companies a head start over other nations in participating in India’s nuclear energy programme. Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and French Ambassador to India Jerome Bonnafont exchanged the documents to give effect to the accord that was signed in Paris on September 30, 2008, during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to France.

“As responsible states with advanced nuclear technologies, France and India intend to develop a multiform civil nuclear cooperation covering a wide range of activities, including nuclear power projects, R&D, nuclear safety, education and training,” the External Affairs Ministry and the French Embassy here said.The two countries were hopeful that the entry into force of the agreement would give a new impetus to the Indo-French partnership and would contribute to further strengthening the deep ties of friendship and long-standing cooperation between the two countries.

Days after India secured a waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group on September 6, 2008, after 34 years of nuclear isolation, France became the first country to ink a civil nuclear accord with India.The French Parliament unanimously approved the accord in November last year, paving the way for participation of French companies in India’s nuclear energy sector.

France-based nuclear conglomerate Areva has been allocated the nuclear project site at Jaitapur, in Maharashtra, to construct two nuclear power plants initially. Each of the two power plants to be built in Jaitapur will have a capacity of 1,600 MW. India has signed civil nuclear pacts with seven countries - the US, France, Russia, Kazakhstan, Namibia, Argentina and Mongolia. A nuclear pact with Canada has also been finalised, which is expected to be signed later this year. Similarly, a nuclear accord with Britain is also in the pipeline.

ASIAN DEFENCE: India and France Exchanged Instruments of Ratification of Agreement on Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation

 

[Chanakyaa]

Thanks to the nuclear deal hope that our next generation will face lesser power cuts.

 

[RPK]

India, Hungary discuss ways to enhance civil nuclear cooperation

New Delhi: India on Tuesday discussed ways to enhance civil nuclear cooperation with Hungary, which is the current Chair of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

At present, India has civil nuclear agreements with seven countries including the US, Russia, France and Khzakhstan and is looking to ink the same with other NSG countries.


This was discussed during a meeting between External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and Hungary Foreign Minister Peter Balazs, who is currently here on a five-day official visit to the country. Balazs is leaving on Thursday.

The two leaders discussed bilateral, regional and international issues and stressed for the need to strengthen bilateral ties in trade, investment, IT, pharmaceuticals, auto-components, energy, defence & security, S&T, agriculture sector and also in consular and cultural matters, including sports, an official statement said here.

Earlier in the day, the visiting dignitary had a meeting with Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jyotiraditya Scindia and issues pertaining to strengthening of trade and investment were discussed.

Before arriving in Delhi, Balazs visited Agra on January 17 and did some sightseeing in and around the national capital, it said, adding that he will also go to Mumbai.

 

[AnGrz_Z_K_Jailer]

Russia to build up to 8 nuclear reactors in West Bengal

STAFF WRITER 19:4 HRS IST
Vinay Shukla

Moscow, Jan 22 (PTI) Russia hopes to build up to 8 nuclear reactors in West Bengal awarded to it to meet India's growing energy demands, a top atomic energy official said.

"The Government of India has taken a decision and has awarded us the new site at Haripur in West Bengal. It means we will build at least six, maximum eight nuclear power reactors," Chief of the State Nuclear Corporation - RosAtom Sergei Kiriyenko said.

RosAtom is currently building two nuclear power units at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu with the total capacity of 2000 MWe and is to build four more VVER-1000 reactor units under an agreement signed during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Moscow visit in December last.

"We are approaching the final stage in the construction of first and second units of Kudankulam.

Source : fullstory

 

[RPK]

India wants nuke reactors from Seoul - dnaindia.com

New Delhi: South Korean president Lee Myung-bak is this year’s chief guest for the Republic Day parade, an honour in keeping with India’s growing economic and political ties with the East Asian power.


The president flew into Chennai on Sunday where he spent time meeting Korean businessmen. South Korean car major Hyundai has its plant in the southern city.

He left for Delhi later in the evening, but the formal reception and his meetings with prime minister Manmohan Singh are slated for Monday.

India and South Korea have, in recent years, developed close political and economic ties. More than 300 Korean companies, including Samsung, Hyundai and LG, have established a presence here. Their total trade was worth $16 billion in 2008.

In August 2009, India and South Korea signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, an overarching document which includes goods and services.

Politically, India is extremely pleased with South Korea for its support for the India-US civil nuclear agreement. When the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) met in Vienna to consider lifting sanctions against India, Seoul backed New Delhi all the way.

India is keen to buy reactors for its nuclear power plants from South Korea but an agreement on that count may not happen right away. However, talks on nuclear co-operation will be taken up at the highest political level by the two leaders. India has noted that a Korean company recently won a mega $40 billion deal to build and operate four nuclear power reactors for the UAE government.

New Delhi is also looking to Seoul to get state-of-the-art dual technology products which neither the US nor Japan are willing to sell. South Korea has an advanced hardware and space technology which could complement India’s software expertise. A number of agreements on information technology and space are likely to be signed.

The government is keen that the Posco project in Orissa be re-started. The government is hoping to get the clearances through and settle the land issue.

 

[RPK]

India to vigorously pursue non-nuke heavy water prog​

Mumbai: With new research opening fresh vistas for its non-nuclear applications, India will continue to sincerely pursue its heavy water programme with cost-effective and energy-efficient techniques, Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Srikumar Banerjee on Thursday said. "India being an established international supplier, we are exploring many more areas of non-nuclear applications of heavy water for societal benefits," he said inaugurating the first national conference on "Non-nuclear applications of Heavy water and Deuterium."


Speaking about the non-nuclear applications of heavy water, Banerjee said it could be used to replace cold chain for polio vaccine and animal vaccines in far-flung areas. Deuterium and heavy water have vast scope for applications in communication through optic fiber, polymers and pharmaceutical industry, he said.

Heavy water export is going to be a big business even in the fusion energy sector as Tritium from heavy water has a crucial role. India exports heavy water to the US and South Korea, he said. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre recently conducted a study in Uttarakhand to successfully recharge the mountain springs using isotope hydrology, Banerjee said.

Chairman and Chief Executive of Heavy Water Board (HWB) A L N Rao shared Banerjee's optimism for large-scale non-nuclear applications of heavy water. "In collaboration with Mumbai-based Entero Virus Research Centre (EVRC) we have successfully demonstrated improved thermal stability of deuterated polio vaccine. After being clinically tested by various institutions it is ready for commercial production and should be in the market within a year," Rao said.

He said HWB had recently signed an MoU with the Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRIT) and a number of Deuterium-labelled compounds including solvents had been taken up for synthesis. K V Raghavan, Emeritus Professor at Hyderabad-based Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IITC) said heavy water with a wide-range of applications could be a useful component in cosmetics industry, particularly in anti-ageing products.

HWB is collaborating with a large number of R&D institutions like IIT, CSIR, International Vaccine Research Institute and Indian Institute of Chemical Technology to explore fresh areas for hard water application.

Source

 

[sathruvinasakh]

^^^^

I have a question

Since when India started exporting heavy water to USA? is it before nuclear deal or after?

 

[RPK]

Russia ready to build nuclear reactors at Haripur

Russia has expressed its readiness to build nuclear reactors at Haripur in West Bengal, but in a veiled reference to the opposition to the project by Union Minister Mamata Banerjee, asked India to take into account the “local political situation.”

While Russia is building two reactors at Koodankulam in Tamil Nadu and tying up the loose ends to put up at least four more units of 1,000 MW each at the same site, space limitation has stopped the Central government from allocating land for another nuclear park in West Bengal.

Though no land acquisition issues had surfaced in a big way at the sites allocated to U.S. and French companies, the Trinamool Congress is against the move to acquire land for nuclear reactors powered by Russian technology and has resolved to launch an agitation in case the Centre begins the process.

The Russian position, which was not precisely spelt out earlier, was articulated by visiting Russian National Security Advisor Nikolai Patroshev when he met his Indian counterpart Shiv Shankar Menon here on Monday. Mr. Patroshev’s other engagement was a visit to the headquarters of Brahmos, an Indo-Russian joint venture for making supersonic missiles.

Both nations expressed their desire to “coordinate” each other’s positions before multilateral meetings and underscored the fact that both had no unresolved acute issues bedevilling their ties. Minor irritants were being resolved through talks.

Mr. Menon and Mr. Patroshev also discussed joint collaboration in the space and satellite sectors besides military technical collaboration.

The meeting saw both sides widening the ambit of their discussions to cover Iran, Iraq and Pakistan, and took stock of threats emanating from them.

 

[Red Dwarf]

Safeguard pact with IAEA comes into force

WASHINGTON: The safeguard agreement with regard to civilian nuclear facilities between India and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has come into force, U.S. President Barack Obama has said.

He said this in a memorandum issued to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as mandated by the U.S.-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and Non-proliferation Enhancement Act regarding the safeguard agreement between India and the IAEA.

Mr. Obama also certified that India had filed a declaration of facilities that was “not materially inconsistent” with the facilities and schedule described in the Separation Plan presented in Parliament on May 11, 2006, taking into account the later initiation of safeguards than was anticipated in the Separation Plan. — PTI

 

[Red Dwarf]

India, U.K. finalise text of civil nuclear cooperation deal


Agreement likely to be signed soon on a convenient date


British Business Secretary Lord Mandelson (right) greets Commerce Minister Anand Sharma ahead of trade talks in London on Thursday.

NEW DELHI: India and the U.K. have agreed on the text of a civil nuclear cooperation deal that is likely to be signed soon on a convenient date.

The agreement came after a meeting between British Business Secretary Peter Mandelson and visiting Union Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma in London on Thursday.

Mr. Sharma, who reached London on Wednesday evening from his visit to Hungary, led the Indian delegation at a meeting of the U.K.-India Joint Economic Trade Committee (JETCO).

The negotiations in the run-up to the agreement on the text from the Indian side were conducted by the former National Security Adviser, M.K. Narayanan.

When the deal is signed, it will be the seventh civil nuclear agreement inked by India since its first historic deal with the United States in October 2008.

Since then, it has signed deals with France, Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Argentina and Namibia.

India has already finalised a civil nuclear cooperation deal with Canada, which is expected to be signed next year.

The U.K. has been one of India’s leading supporters after it sought re-entry into international nuclear trade after the 2005 India-U.S. joint statement.

Contentious issue

One of the contentious issues during the negotiations was the preamble to the draft, in which India objected to the words proposed by the U.K. referring to its position on a fissile material cut-off treaty.

India has insisted that the agreement should reflect its official position, which calls for a universal, non-discriminatory and verifiable treaty.

The British nuclear industry reportedly exports nuclear goods and equipment worth over £700 million and can supply almost 70-80 per cent parts of a new nuclear reactor.

The issue of the food and drink sector also was discussed by Mr. Sharma and Lord Mandelson. India is the world’s largest market for whisky, with 90 million cases sold every year.

The U.K. also sought more access to the Indian banking system and further expansion, especially when banks such as the ICICI and the State Bank of India were expanding in Britain.

The issue of intellectual property also came up for discussion during the talks.
Very significant: U.K.

Hasan Suroor reports from London:

Lord Mandelson described the finalisation of the text of agreement as a “very, very significant” development.

“We’ve got an agreed text on civil nuclear cooperation. This is a very, very significant advance. I look forward that text being signed off at ministerial level before long,” he told journalists.

Lord Mandelson said that the two sides also agreed to work more closely in defence-related areas.

“India wants collaboration in defence manufacture and supply and we have our own units who are keen to collaborate with India particularly in R&D. This is an area where business-to-business collaboration between the two countries can take place,” he said.

Describing the talks as “very productive,” Mr. Sharma said: “We have focused on manufacturing and innovation and a number of other areas. Britain has high-tech, and India is ready to absorb it — particularly training across the industry for skills to meet global shortage.”

 

[EjazR]

India covets nuclear cooperation with Turkey - Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review

DÖNDÜ SARIIŞIK
ANKARA - Hürriyet Daily News
'Once Turkey decides to go for nuclear energy and looks for international partners, I am sure India will be under consideration,' says Indian Ambassador to Ankara Raminder Singh Jassal

As Turkey looks for international partners to realize its 36-year dream of building nuclear power plants, Russia is likely to construct the first one, in the Mediterranean port city of Mersin. Ankara and Moscow are currently negotiating an agreement on this subject.

Having already announced a second plant will be built near the Black Sea port city of Sinop, Energy Minister Taner Yıldız welcomed the interest coming from U.S., South Korean and Japanese companies too.

Now, one more bidder from South Asia has arisen. India’s Ambassador to Turkey Raminder Singh Jassal confirmed in an interview with the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review that his country was keen to take part in nuclear projects here.

“Once Turkey decides to go for nuclear energy and looks for international partners, I am sure one of the countries it will keep under consideration will be India,” said Jassal.

India has been involved in nuclear energy for more than 50 years; the country built its first indigenous reactor in 1957.

“We have a quite advanced nuclear industry that dates back decades and decades,” Jassal said, adding that India is capable of constructing a nuclear plant in Turkey. “We can provide any kind of support because we have completed the whole nuclear fuel cycle indigenously in India – from mining uranium to producing fuel road to reprocessing the stand fuel.”

In addition, India needs more and more energy input to sustain its development; the country plans to increase its nuclear-energy production from 4,000 megawatts to 63,000 megawatts within the next 20 years. Russia has already agreed to build two new nuclear reactors there.

“That requires foreign investment. We also would like to upgrade our technologies. So we have signed agreements with the United States, Russia and France,” the ambassador said.

“The Indian market is now open for international partners and collaborators because our projections are huge,” he said, adding, however, that this “does not mean we will not build our own.”

Nuclear is the best available clean-energy solution to meet the increasing demand, according to Jassal. “We have to double, triple today’s energy consumption,” he said.

India urges Iran to fulfill obligations toward IAEA

India has yet to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, or NPT, despite the country’s long-lasting engagement in nuclear power and its interest in international projects. New Delhi has been relieved of sanctions on nuclear trade with governments and international entities and is able to participate in civilian nuclear energy markets thanks to a transformative deal with Washington, D.C.

U.S. President Barack Obama, in a memorandum Wednesday, confirmed that India had formally agreed to provide access to the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA. India gave a list of nuclear reactors to the agency, although it says its action is voluntary and does not include military facilities.

The India-IAEA Safeguards Agreement was signed in 2008; under its terms, the sides are expected to finalize the talks by August, at which point the agreement will be fully in force. Ambassador Jassal was a member of the Indian team that negotiated the deal.

Asked about Iran’s nuclear quest and its difficulties with the IAEA and the West, Jassal declined to compare the positions of the two countries.

“They are not comparable. India has had the best record in the world, I think, on nuclear nonproliferation,” Jassal said. “We have built our own reactors and have large and very advanced nuclear-energy infrastructure. There has not been one [example] of nuclear proliferation from India to any other country ever. That is a huge record.”

As a signatory of the NPT, Iran has made certain commitments and should live up to them, Jassal noted. However, stressing his own country’s common interests with Iran, the ambassador added: “Iran is our access to Central Asia, from Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan, and also has a stake in Afghanistan. So, on a number of issues, we have good relations.”

“We believe that Iran has a right to civilian nuclear energy. But it has undertaken certain obligations and certain commitments that it must fulfill,” Jassal said. “The international community is negotiating. We hope that some solution will come out of these negotiations.”