"Made in India" Nuclear Reactors

[Chanakya's_Chant]

Need of the hour is for ‘Make-in-India’ nuclear plants

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveils 'Make in India' campaign logo (Photo: video grab)​

Prior to 2004 the Indian nuclear power policy was guided by the Bhabha Plan, aimed at the ultimate utilisation of the abundant thorium resources in the country. But, the Manmohan Singh government scuttled this plan from 2005, to indirectly hand over technology reins of this sector to foreign governments and their reactor vendors.

I am one of the few senior scientists who had the good fortune to work under charismatic and ethical leaders like Bhabha, Nehru, Sarabhai, Ramanna and Indira Gandhi. Their aim was to shape a nuclear power programme, which matched the human and physical resources of India, to make it an indigenous asset built on a solid and sustainable foundation. But, by 2014, when the UPA-2 government stepped down, the nuclear power programme had come down substantially in stature and performance, under a relatively lacklustre, corrupt and unethical leadership compared to stalwarts who ran the programme in earlier years.

I have been a close observer and analyst of UPA’s Indo-US Nuclear Deal. Therefore, I have a reasonably accurate picture of all that was done in nuclear policy restructure during the UPA-1&2 regimes. The Indo-US nuclear deal of 2007 was a concept jointly planned and engineered primarily by the then Indian Prime Minister& his advisors, in close cooperation with the US government. Both sides co-opted carefully handpicked persons to give the critical push needed for executing this objective.

Ever since sanctions were imposed on all Indian nuclear efforts by the US and the West after our 1974 Pokhran-1 nuclear test, the US has been closely observing the progress of our nuclear programme. Under the able leadership of Indira Gandhi and nuclear scientists like Sethna, Ramanna, P.K. Iyengar and others, India steadily established the technology and the manufacturing base to indigenously produce up to 500-700 MWe capacity pressurised heavy-water reactors (PHWRs) by 2000.

Following an invitation from Dr Ramanna, who obtained approval for that from Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, I joined that effort in 1976 after resigning from a high-paid US job and surrendering my permanent-resident status in the US. By the time Pokhran-2 nuclear weapon tests were conducted in 1998, under a strong Vajpayee leadership, India could easily withstand a second set of technology sanctions imposed by the US and others.

By 2000, US was quite shaken by India’s rising nuclear capabilities and our growing number of PHWRs on the ground. Because Indian nuclear engineers know every detail of these PHWRs which they themselves designed, built from scratch and experimented with, we could avoid nuclear accidents during this learning stage from about 1975 to 2000, while around that time major accidents like the ones in Three-Mile Island (USA) and Chernobyl (USSR) happened.

Because India stuck solely with the PHWR, there are now three generations of engineers and scientists in India who have mastered the PHWR technology, with which they are capable of upgrading the reactors to 1000-1200 MWe-level, with confidence in PHWR safety which comes from the team’s close familiarity with these systems.

The US concerns with the Indian PHWR programme are manifold. Firstly, India’s indigenous PHWR costs just 35 per cent compared to the US LWR (light water reactor), which will make it difficult for US and Western companies to sell their LWRs in India. Secondly, Americans all along wanted to wean India off PHWRs because these are the best plutonium producers and can contribute to increasing our stock of nuclear weapons fuel.

To further reduce our weapons capability and future use of thorium through the fast breeder programme, the US also wants to influence the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) to deny India the access to foreign technologies for spent-fuel reprocessing and uranium enrichment.

Lastly, if sufficient number of Western LWRs are sold to India, with their fuel supply to be contractually limited to two-year batches at a time, any intent of India to test a nuclear weapon can be thwarted because of a consequential lifetime ban on fuel supply, through conditionalities precisely built into the Hyde Act of 2006, a piece of US legislation still binding on India.

On India’s part, the deal enables us to import natural uranium from multiple sources. We can buy non-nuclear parts for our reactors without difficulty. But these are not adequate reasons for ditching an indigenous technology we have perfected over three decades. I am amazed that a few of the key senior scientists of the nuclear sector colluded with the then PM and the industrial groups to get the nuclear deal put in place.

“Make-in-India” is a very commendable concept. Modi can at best be given the credit for reminding Indians and the world about it, but the pioneers, who successfully demonstrated its workability, are several of his predecessors – but for an exception like Manmohan Singh who sat back and outsourced that concept to the Americans! One of the shining successes of a “Make-in-India” programme is the development and demonstration of the Indian PHWR. It came about because of a patriotic fervour and pride in those who led the programme and motivated the teams of handpicked experts and intelligent youngsters, who in turn delivered results for the country for the sheer pleasure and pride they derived from doing it.

Our friend ‘Barack’ will never like such programmes, as evident from his lukewarm response to our solar power programme based on indigenously-sourced solar cells, panels and structures. Modi government should ignore ‘Barack’ and the crony capitalists in India and within our Diaspora who are supporting him.

Forge ahead with a totally “Make-in-India” programme in renewable energy with ambitious very high targets, and I am sure engineers, scientists and manufacturers in India will rise to the challenge and deliver.

Dr Gopalakrishnan is a former chairman of India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. He can be reached at agk37@hotmail.com

Source:- Need of the hour is for ‘Make-in-India’ nuclear plants

 

[Chanakya's_Chant]

Of India’s current installed nuclear power capacity of 4,780 MWe, a total of 4,160 MWe is based on the indigenous PHWR technology and 620 MW on foreign technical cooperation using LWR technology.​

Indian Indigenously Developed Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors [PHWR]>>

Currently PHWR plant designs exist in 3 power ratings - 220, 540 & 700 MWe. While the 220 & 540-rated reactors have been in operation for many years [the 1st 540 MWe design began operation in 2005], work on setting up two larger 700 MWe plant continues at the sites of Kakrapar & Rajasthan power-plants has started. They are expected to start electricity generation in 2015 [Rajasthan, 2016].

​

Courtesy @gslv mk3

 

[Chanakya's_Chant]

"Made in India" Nuclear Reactors Make History, Runs Uninterrupted for Over 2 Years - become world’s 2nd longest running reactor

File photo: Nuclear reactor at Rawatbhata, Rajasthan​

RAWATBHATA, RAJASTHAN: An indigenously made nuclear plant in Rajasthan has created history by running continuously for a period 765 days, or a little over two years. Usually, most nuclear plants globally need to be shut down every year for maintenance; only well-maintained facilities can run for longer periods. (10 Must-Know Facts About India's Nuclear Milestone)

With this achievement, the 220 MW reactor has beaten an American unit which ran for 739 days at a stretch. Unit-5 at Rawatbhata, a Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) made at a cost of Rs. 1200 crore in 2010, is run by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and is now ranked number two globally for continuous generation of electricity by a nuclear plant. The pole position is still held by a Canadian reactor, Ontario Power Corporation's Pickering-7 plant, which ran continuously for 894 days before it was shutdown in 1994. The PHWRs are a type of reactors that are easier to run for longer periods as fuel can be added into the reactor without shutting them down for maintenance.

The world is lauding India on its achievement. "The achievement of Rajasthan's Unit-5 is another excellent example of how nuclear energy supplies clean, affordable and reliable electricity around the world," Agneta Rising, Director General, World Nuclear Association, London, told NDTV.

In this 765-day period, the reactor produced about 4258 million units of electricity, lighting up nearly 2.5 million homes in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The NPCIL earned Rs. 1225 crore by selling the electricity generated by the Rawatbhata plant. According to estimates, this was more than the cost of installing the plant.

The reactor is expected to run for a full life of more than 40 years. Every year, the cost of fuelling and maintaining it comes to about Rs. 230 crore and it supplies electricity to the grid at a fixed tariff of Rs. 3.43 per unit. On the flip side, it generates about 33 cubic meters of radioactive waste year by burning 40 tonnes of natural uranium every year. This waste can remain dangerous for a very long time.

Basking in the after-glow of the nuclear milestone, Ratan Kumar Sinha, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission said, "There is no release of carbon dioxide in the process of power generation from any of the nuclear power reactor including RAPS-5. The nuclear power is a clean and green source of energy which indeed is helpful in reducing the carbon emission in the environment." The NPCIL too points out that in the 765-day period, 4.25 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emission was avoided. (765 Days Uninterrupted: India's Nuclear Chief Basks in Record Glory)

The reactor used 82 tonnes of uranium to produce the power output. In comparison, to generate a similar quantity of electricity in a thermal plant, a whopping over 3 million tons of coal would have been required.

After this record-breaking dream run, the plant will now be shut down for routine maintenance and safety checks.

Source:- Rajasthan Nuclear Plant Makes History, Runs Uninterrupted for Over 2 Years
Unit 5 of RAPS becomes world’s 2nd longest running reactor | Business Line

 

[SpArK]

Great information.

Especially the longest running reactor news.

 

[SrNair]

Any decision will carry its own advantage and disadvantage.By mentioning senior scientist ,he was criticising Dr Anil Kakodkar.
A legend that was worked in 1974 Pokhran and also in 1998.
He also opposed this deal initially.But PM personally interacted him and convinced some other advantages because of this deal .But he dont revealed because it is classified .
Since he also supported that initiative .
I agree with this article.But we shouldalso see the other side.Can we antogonize US giants and their govt ?Can we afford?
US has good fear about our nuke advancement.But avoiding themtotally would invite sabotage.If they want they can hire anyone for asabotage in our plants.If that happens whole these reputation will go down to drain.

So we should realise our weakness and strength.
AFAIK our reactor program already surpassed these levels and now is in a stage of Thorium reactor quite advanced than western equivalent.And PMO is still giving full support to indigenous nuke program.
First we should establish all these in India .We cant compete with Western giants in current scenario.
Govt is still following our own policy in solar industry .

 

[Chanakya's_Chant]

Next in Line >>

Scientists design India's largest nuclear reactor​

Scientists have designed India's first 900-MW light-water nuclear reactor to catapult the country into the big league of nuclear energy.

The pressurised water reactor, whose conceptual design has already been prepared, would be a joint effort between the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), said BARC director Sekhar Basu on Wednesday.

“We hope to start the construction work in another five years, after obtaining the requisite permissions. For the first time will such a big reactor vessel be forged in India,” Basu told Deccan Herald over the phone from Mumbai.

A new enriched uranium plant to feed the reactor has been proposed at Chitradurga. The forging will be carried out at L&T and NPCIL's new joint venture at Hazira, and the turbine will come from Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited.

India's indigenous nuclear programme began in the 1960s with small reactors. The first two units at Tarapur, which became operational in 1969, were of 160-MW capacity each, whereas the first unit at Rawatbhata, which came four years later, was of 100-MW capacity.

Later, the NPCIL perfected the design of 220-MW nuclear reactors, which were replicated all over the country for two decades. The two biggest indigenous reactors are of 540-MW capacity. The NPCIL is now constructing four 700-MW reactors for Kakrapar and Rawatbhata.

“The 900-MW reactor is similar to the one at Kudankulam. Unlike the previous reactors, which used heavy water both as coolant and moderator, the new one will use light water. Its site is about to be selected,” said Basu. A detailed project report will be submitted soon to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board for approval.

Over the next 10 years, the NPCIL intends to set up 16 more 700-MW indigenous reactors, of which civil work would begin in eight by 2017, said Department of Atomic Energy chairman Ratan Kumar Sinha. These include the fifth and sixth units at Kaiga.

Another six reactors will be installed at Gorakhpur in Haryana, Chutka in Madhya Pradesh and Mahi Banswara in Rajasthan. Each site will have two reactors of 700 MW each.

The first 500-MW prototype fast-breeder reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam will be operational by September 2014, and construction work for two more fast-breeder reactors will start within the 12th-Plan period.

The PFBR has been delayed by several years due to delay in construction and technical complications arising out of the plant's necessity to handle hazardous liquid sodium at 400-550 degrees Celsius.

Source:- Scientists design India's largest nuclear reactor

Work begins on India’s first Light Water Reactor after smaller version​

India has started work on fabricating a Light Water Reactor (LWR) of 900 MWe (megawatt electric) for electricity generation, a reactor technology that differs from the heavy water reactors that form the mainstay of the country’s nuclear power programme currently.

The Department of Atomic Energy is in the process of preparing “detailed designs” of the 900 MWe pressurised water reactor for approval by the regulatory authority — the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), according to a government official involved in the exercise. The design builds on the indigenously developed small-sized LWR developed over the past eight years, a compact version of which was deployed aboard the INS Arihant — the first Indian nuclear-powered submarine.

“Work on an indigenous LWR of 900 MWe has commenced… it’s still early days,” R B Grover, Member, Atomic Energy Commission, and Director, Homi Bhabha National Institute, told The Indian Express.

The family of LWRs, cooled and moderated using ordinary water, tend to be simpler and cheaper to build than other types of nuclear reactors, due to which they make up the majority of civil nuclear reactors — including those built by the Russian, French and US firms — as well as naval propulsion reactors in service across the world.

The LWR project is a joint effort between the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL). A new Special Uranium Enrichment Facility to fuel the LWR reactor has also been proposed at Chitradurga, Karnataka.

Unlike the natural uranium and heavy water-based Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), which constitute the mainstay of India’s nuclear power programme, LWRs (such as pressurised water reactors and boiling water reactors) use enriched uranium as fuel and ordinary water as both the moderator and coolant. Incidently, India’s atomic power programme commenced in the early sixties with two imported LWR units (of the boiling water reactor-type) at Tarapur of 160-MWe capacity, each set up by Bechtel and GE under US assistance. that became operational in 1969.

The next reactor was a 100MWe unit set up with Canadian assistance at Rawatbhata four years later, based on which, the NPCIL kicked off its indigenous programme with the design of its 220-MWe PHWRs. Subsequently, the indigenous PHWRs of 540-MWe capacity were developed and NPCIL is currently setting up four newly developed 700-MWe PHWRs at Kakrapar and Rawatbhata.

Of India’s current installed nuclear power capacity of 4,780 MWe, a total of 4,160 MWe is based on the indigenous PHWR technology and 620 MW on foreign technical cooperation using LWR technology.

Two 1000 MWe units of the Kudankulam nuclear power project built with assistance from Russia also use LWR reactors while three more sites are being readied for setting up projects deploying LWRs of three different types — the French EPRs (1650MWe of Areva), Toshiba Westinghouse’s AP1000 and GE-Hitachi’s ESBWR.

- See more at: Work begins on India’s first Light Water Reactor after smaller version | The Indian Express

 

[MehrotraPrince]

Any decision will carry its own advantage and disadvantage.By mentioning senior scientist ,he was criticising Dr Anil Kakodkar.
A legend that was worked in 1974 Pokhran and also in 1998.
He also opposed this deal initially.But PM personally interacted him and convinced some other advantages because of this deal .But he dont revealed because it is classified .
Since he also supported that initiative .
I agree with this article.But we shouldalso see the other side.Can we antogonize US giants and their govt ?Can we afford?
US has good fear about our nuke advancement.But avoiding themtotally would invite sabotage.If they want they can hire anyone for asabotage in our plants.If that happens whole these reputation will go down to drain.

So we should realise our weakness and strength.
AFAIK our reactor program already surpassed these levels and now is in a stage of Thorium reactor quite advanced than western equivalent.And PMO is still giving full support to indigenous nuke program.
First we should establish all these in India .We cant compete with Western giants in current scenario.
Govt is still following our own policy in solar industry .

Your first point is correct.
Your second point is incorrect, if they have guts to sabotage your plants then you should also have courage to damage /retaliate through various means, otherwise you will never be independent nor rise to great heights which you deserve. Start believing your capability as a nation.

 

[SrNair]

Your first point is correct.
Your second point is incorrect, if they have guts to sabotage your plants then you should also have courage to damage /retaliate through various means, otherwise you will never be independent nor rise to great heights which you deserve. Start believing your capability as a nation.

It is too easy to said that.But when it comes reality things will happen badly for us.Because they have resources ,money facilities etc .West means entire US and European giants like Areva.Ghosh even Russians dont like our growth in this sector.But we will get there and we will export these systems.
But we should also follow most profitable way.
AFAIK still we didnt complete our Thorium Research fully for commercial purposes .A lot of things is still remains.

And our prime aim is using current circumstances usefully for our purpose without any harm or damage.And I think our govt decision was right.
Yes we have the capability and power .But that is not enough for take on masters of dirty works.Still a long way to go.
If they could have locked down Russia ,at current scenario India is also not a big deal for them.
And you also know what is situating on the otherside of the western border .Always looking for an excuses even it is thin.
And supposedly if we managed export those by inviting wrath of monsters ,Have you any confidence that it will be free customer nation?Because in here we are talking about a league of ccorportes that can influence WhiteHouse and any other govt in this world at any level?

Your first point is correct.
Your second point is incorrect, if they have guts to sabotage your plants then you should also have courage to damage /retaliate through various means, otherwise you will never be independent nor rise to great heights which you deserve. Start believing your capability as a nation.

It is too easy to said that.But when it comes reality things will happen badly for us.Because they have resources ,money facilities etc .West means entire US and European giants like Areva.Ghosh even Russians dont like our growth in this sector.But we will get there and we will export these systems.
But we should also follow most profitable way.
AFAIK still we didnt complete our Thorium Research fully for commercial purposes .A lot of things is still remains.

And our prime aim is using current circumstances usefully for our purpose without any harm or damage.And I think our govt decision was right.
Yes we have the capability and power .But that is not enough for take on masters of dirty works.Still a long way to go.
If they could have locked down Russia ,at current scenario India is also not a big deal for them.
And you also know what is situating on the otherside of the western border .Always looking for an excuses even it is thin.
And supposedly if we managed export those by inviting wrath of monsters ,Have you any confidence that it will be free customer nation?Because in here we are talking about a league of ccorportes that can influence WhiteHouse and any other govt in this world at any level?

 

[Chanakya's_Chant]

Kalpakkam FBR to be commissioned in March 2015​

ON COURSE: The 500 MWe of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) located within the 40-metre tall Reactor Containment Building at Kalpakkam.​

The 500-MWe PFBR will mark a ‘Hanuman jump’ from currently operational FBTR​

Things are on course for the commissioning of the 500-MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) before the end of this financial year (March 2015) at Kalpakkam. The loading of 1,750 tonnes of liquid sodium into seven loops in the reactor will commence in two weeks from now. Dummy fuel has already been loaded into the reactor. While plutonium-uranium mixed oxide is the reactor’s fuel, liquid sodium is the coolant. The PFBR’s generation of 500 MWe will mark a “Hanuman jump”, as French nuclear scientist George Vendryes put it, from the 13-MWe Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) currently operational at Kalpakkam.

“The PFBR team is determined to move ahead in compliance with all the requirements specified by the regulatory authorities. We have to ensure that the PFBR operates smoothly and successfully. We have to ensure that this breeder technology is safe, robust and cheap,” declared Prabhat Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI).

BHAVINI, a public sector undertaking of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), has been mandated to build a series of breeder reactors to provide energy independence to the country. The Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, designed and developed the technology for the PFBR. They are called breeder reactors because they breed more fuel than they consume.

Announcing that all electrical systems in the PFBR were operational, Mr. Kumar said: “The PFBR should be commissioned safely without sodium leaking from the system. We have to transfer 1,750 tonnes of sodium from ten tanks to the seven loops. We have completed most of the piping and instrumentation. We have energised most of the equipment. Instruments and sensors are connected to the Control Room. Results of the tests done so far are encouraging. Most of the support systems are fully commissioned and operating satisfactorily. They include raw water system, service water system, air mask system, nitrogen system, argon system etc. All the electrical systems including the switch-yard and battery banks are operational.”

This reactor is different from the fleet of Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRS) already operating in India. Fabrication of gigantic PFBR components involved highly complex technology.

Source:- Kalpakkam FBR to be commissioned in March 2015 - The Hindu

Advanced heavy-water reactor

The advanced heavy-water reactor (AHWR) is the latest Indian design for a next-generation nuclear reactor that burns thorium in its fuel core. It is slated to form the third stage in India's three-stage fuel-cycle plan. This phase of the fuel cycle plan is supposed to be built starting with a 300MW prototype in 2016. AHWR has been one of the few reactors in the world that have already strived to meet the requirements of innovative next-generation nuclear reactors as has been spelt out in several international forums.

India designs World's first Thorium based Nuclear Reactor
Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR)- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre(BARC)

 

[SrNair]

Next in Line >>

Scientists design India's largest nuclear reactor​

Scientists have designed India's first 900-MW light-water nuclear reactor to catapult the country into the big league of nuclear energy.

The pressurised water reactor, whose conceptual design has already been prepared, would be a joint effort between the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), said BARC director Sekhar Basu on Wednesday.

“We hope to start the construction work in another five years, after obtaining the requisite permissions. For the first time will such a big reactor vessel be forged in India,” Basu told Deccan Herald over the phone from Mumbai.

A new enriched uranium plant to feed the reactor has been proposed at Chitradurga. The forging will be carried out at L&T and NPCIL's new joint venture at Hazira, and the turbine will come from Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited.

India's indigenous nuclear programme began in the 1960s with small reactors. The first two units at Tarapur, which became operational in 1969, were of 160-MW capacity each, whereas the first unit at Rawatbhata, which came four years later, was of 100-MW capacity.

Later, the NPCIL perfected the design of 220-MW nuclear reactors, which were replicated all over the country for two decades. The two biggest indigenous reactors are of 540-MW capacity. The NPCIL is now constructing four 700-MW reactors for Kakrapar and Rawatbhata.

“The 900-MW reactor is similar to the one at Kudankulam. Unlike the previous reactors, which used heavy water both as coolant and moderator, the new one will use light water. Its site is about to be selected,” said Basu. A detailed project report will be submitted soon to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board for approval.

Over the next 10 years, the NPCIL intends to set up 16 more 700-MW indigenous reactors, of which civil work would begin in eight by 2017, said Department of Atomic Energy chairman Ratan Kumar Sinha. These include the fifth and sixth units at Kaiga.

Another six reactors will be installed at Gorakhpur in Haryana, Chutka in Madhya Pradesh and Mahi Banswara in Rajasthan. Each site will have two reactors of 700 MW each.

The first 500-MW prototype fast-breeder reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam will be operational by September 2014, and construction work for two more fast-breeder reactors will start within the 12th-Plan period.

The PFBR has been delayed by several years due to delay in construction and technical complications arising out of the plant's necessity to handle hazardous liquid sodium at 400-550 degrees Celsius.

Source:- Scientists design India's largest nuclear reactor

Work begins on India’s first Light Water Reactor after smaller version​

India has started work on fabricating a Light Water Reactor (LWR) of 900 MWe (megawatt electric) for electricity generation, a reactor technology that differs from the heavy water reactors that form the mainstay of the country’s nuclear power programme currently.

The Department of Atomic Energy is in the process of preparing “detailed designs” of the 900 MWe pressurised water reactor for approval by the regulatory authority — the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), according to a government official involved in the exercise. The design builds on the indigenously developed small-sized LWR developed over the past eight years, a compact version of which was deployed aboard the INS Arihant — the first Indian nuclear-powered submarine.

“Work on an indigenous LWR of 900 MWe has commenced… it’s still early days,” R B Grover, Member, Atomic Energy Commission, and Director, Homi Bhabha National Institute, told The Indian Express.

The family of LWRs, cooled and moderated using ordinary water, tend to be simpler and cheaper to build than other types of nuclear reactors, due to which they make up the majority of civil nuclear reactors — including those built by the Russian, French and US firms — as well as naval propulsion reactors in service across the world.

The LWR project is a joint effort between the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL). A new Special Uranium Enrichment Facility to fuel the LWR reactor has also been proposed at Chitradurga, Karnataka.

Unlike the natural uranium and heavy water-based Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), which constitute the mainstay of India’s nuclear power programme, LWRs (such as pressurised water reactors and boiling water reactors) use enriched uranium as fuel and ordinary water as both the moderator and coolant. Incidently, India’s atomic power programme commenced in the early sixties with two imported LWR units (of the boiling water reactor-type) at Tarapur of 160-MWe capacity, each set up by Bechtel and GE under US assistance. that became operational in 1969.

The next reactor was a 100MWe unit set up with Canadian assistance at Rawatbhata four years later, based on which, the NPCIL kicked off its indigenous programme with the design of its 220-MWe PHWRs. Subsequently, the indigenous PHWRs of 540-MWe capacity were developed and NPCIL is currently setting up four newly developed 700-MWe PHWRs at Kakrapar and Rawatbhata.

Of India’s current installed nuclear power capacity of 4,780 MWe, a total of 4,160 MWe is based on the indigenous PHWR technology and 620 MW on foreign technical cooperation using LWR technology.

Two 1000 MWe units of the Kudankulam nuclear power project built with assistance from Russia also use LWR reactors while three more sites are being readied for setting up projects deploying LWRs of three different types — the French EPRs (1650MWe of Areva), Toshiba Westinghouse’s AP1000 and GE-Hitachi’s ESBWR.

- See more at: Work begins on India’s first Light Water Reactor after smaller version | The Indian Express

Likr I said .Our GoI and PMO is in full throttle for indigenous nuke industry.

 

[MehrotraPrince]

It is too easy to said that.But when it comes reality things will happen badly for us.Because they have resources ,money facilities etc .West means entire US and European giants like Areva.Ghosh even Russians dont like our growth in this sector.But we will get there and we will export these systems.
But we should also follow most profitable way.
AFAIK still we didnt complete our Thorium Research fully for commercial purposes .A lot of things is still remains.

And our prime aim is using current circumstances usefully for our purpose without any harm or damage.And I think our govt decision was right.
Yes we have the capability and power .But that is not enough for take on masters of dirty works.Still a long way to go.
If they could have locked down Russia ,at current scenario India is also not a big deal for them.
And you also know what is situating on the otherside of the western border .Always looking for an excuses even it is thin.
And supposedly if we managed export those by inviting wrath of monsters ,Have you any confidence that it will be free customer nation?Because in here we are talking about a league of ccorportes that can influence WhiteHouse and any other govt in this world at any level?

No, Russia and India are two different nations, Russia is largely depends on export(defence and hydrocarbons), while India falls in completely different category, plus Russia overestimated their capability by annexing Crimea.
Its far more easy to arm twist Russia through oil and other means, but will be far difficult in case of India since unlike Russia we have good relationship with most of the European countries, you have history of sanctions on India, was India broke? now compare this with the present economic state of Russia(just 1 years has passed).

Pushing India means, India will get more closer to China which would have worked against US interests in long terms.

Western border is just matter of shear political will power and nothing more.

I am and was in favor of Nuclear deal with USA as it has opened many doors for cooperation plus we can get Uranium and other related technologies from many nations but we should have continued our indigenous development with same pace as before.

Note: Just enjoy the article, and discuss it later once the article is complete.

 

[SrNair]

No, Russia and India are two different nations, Russia is largely depends on export(defence and hydrocarbons), while India falls in completely different category, plus Russia overestimated their capability by annexing Crimea.
Its far more easy to arm twist Russia through oil and other means, but will be far difficult in case of India since unlike Russia we have good relationship with most of the European countries, you have history of sanctions on India, was India broke? now compare this with the present economic state of Russia(just 1 years has passed).

Pushing India means, India will get more closer to China which would have worked against US interests in long terms.

Western border is just matter of shear political will power and nothing more.

I am and was in favor of Nuclear deal with USA as it has opened many doors for cooperation plus we can get Uranium and other related technologies from many nations but we should have continued our indigenous development with same pace as before.

Note: Just enjoy the article, and discuss it later once the article is complete.

And I already said we dont have any reason to.belief that our govt slowdown indigenous nuke development.You can see it in Article.

98 sanctions was political.But this is business just pure business.When it comes to business interests West will be one under these corporates.
Look what happenef to Nambi Narayanan and Cryo development because of our one way development.It took 16-18 years to clear that damage.
Had it been successful at least in 2003 we would have been conducted HSF by this time and also a dominant position in space market.

 

[Echo_419]

Kalpakkam FBR to be commissioned in March 2015​

ON COURSE: The 500 MWe of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) located within the 40-metre tall Reactor Containment Building at Kalpakkam.​

The 500-MWe PFBR will mark a ‘Hanuman jump’ from currently operational FBTR​

Things are on course for the commissioning of the 500-MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) before the end of this financial year (March 2015) at Kalpakkam. The loading of 1,750 tonnes of liquid sodium into seven loops in the reactor will commence in two weeks from now. Dummy fuel has already been loaded into the reactor. While plutonium-uranium mixed oxide is the reactor’s fuel, liquid sodium is the coolant. The PFBR’s generation of 500 MWe will mark a “Hanuman jump”, as French nuclear scientist George Vendryes put it, from the 13-MWe Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) currently operational at Kalpakkam.

“The PFBR team is determined to move ahead in compliance with all the requirements specified by the regulatory authorities. We have to ensure that the PFBR operates smoothly and successfully. We have to ensure that this breeder technology is safe, robust and cheap,” declared Prabhat Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI).

BHAVINI, a public sector undertaking of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), has been mandated to build a series of breeder reactors to provide energy independence to the country. The Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, designed and developed the technology for the PFBR. They are called breeder reactors because they breed more fuel than they consume.

Announcing that all electrical systems in the PFBR were operational, Mr. Kumar said: “The PFBR should be commissioned safely without sodium leaking from the system. We have to transfer 1,750 tonnes of sodium from ten tanks to the seven loops. We have completed most of the piping and instrumentation. We have energised most of the equipment. Instruments and sensors are connected to the Control Room. Results of the tests done so far are encouraging. Most of the support systems are fully commissioned and operating satisfactorily. They include raw water system, service water system, air mask system, nitrogen system, argon system etc. All the electrical systems including the switch-yard and battery banks are operational.”

This reactor is different from the fleet of Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRS) already operating in India. Fabrication of gigantic PFBR components involved highly complex technology.

Source:- Kalpakkam FBR to be commissioned in March 2015 - The Hindu

Advanced heavy-water reactor

The advanced heavy-water reactor (AHWR) is the latest Indian design for a next-generation nuclear reactor that burns thorium in its fuel core. It is slated to form the third stage in India's three-stage fuel-cycle plan. This phase of the fuel cycle plan is supposed to be built starting with a 300MW prototype in 2016. AHWR has been one of the few reactors in the world that have already strived to meet the requirements of innovative next-generation nuclear reactors as has been spelt out in several international forums.

India designs World's first Thorium based Nuclear Reactor
Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR)- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre(BARC)

Always a delight to read your threads mate,every time i read your threads i feel just 'Happy' pure happiness
On Topic
With the advent of the new govt we have a bright future in Nuclear Industry

 

[Chanakya's_Chant]

Any decision will carry its own advantage and disadvantage.By mentioning senior scientist ,he was criticising Dr Anil Kakodkar.
A legend that was worked in 1974 Pokhran and also in 1998.
He also opposed this deal initially.But PM personally interacted him and convinced some other advantages because of this deal .But he dont revealed because it is classified .
Since he also supported that initiative .
I agree with this article.But we shouldalso see the other side.Can we antogonize US giants and their govt ?Can we afford?
US has good fear about our nuke advancement.But avoiding themtotally would invite sabotage.If they want they can hire anyone for asabotage in our plants.If that happens whole these reputation will go down to drain.

So we should realise our weakness and strength.
AFAIK our reactor program already surpassed these levels and now is in a stage of Thorium reactor quite advanced than western equivalent.And PMO is still giving full support to indigenous nuke program.
First we should establish all these in India .We cant compete with Western giants in current scenario.
Govt is still following our own policy in solar industry .

Although public details are scarce, any understanding between Narendra Modi and Barack Obama on circumventing the Indian nuclear liability law to protect American reactor suppliers should be a matter of concern.

The importance of supplier liability is illustrated by the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011. When the reactors were hit by the tsunami that year, the weakness of the General Electric (GE) Mark I design was cruelly exposed. The reactors’ inadequate containment was unable to prevent the spread of radioactivity when the cooling systems failed and pressure built up inside the reactors. Although this design defect was first noted about 40 years ago, just as the Fukushima reactors were commissioned, the industry resisted regulatory changes that could have ameliorated the disaster.

The Japan estimates that the cost of cleanup at Fukushima may reach $200 billion and that the disaster may lead to about a thousand excess deaths due to cancer. However, it is unlikely that GE will ever be held accountable for its poor design choice. Under Japanese law, the supplier is indemnified from liability for an accident. This is the framework of impunity under which nuclear suppliers like to operate.

Legal indemnity for suppliers creates a “moral hazard”— encouraging suppliers to take excessive risks since they don’t have to pay for the consequences. The case of GE not strengthening the Mark I containment is not an exception. The Presidential commission appointed to study the 1979 Three Mile Island disaster, which saw a partial nuclear meltdown, pointed out that the supplier, Babcock and Wilcox, was already aware of design defects that contributed to the accident, but never bothered to resolve them.

Fukushima: General Electric Knew Its Nuclear Reactor Design Was Unsafe … So Why Isn’t GE Getting Any Heat for Fukushima? | Global Research

 

[Echo_419]

Although public details are scarce, any understanding between Narendra Modi and Barack Obama on circumventing the Indian nuclear liability law to protect American reactor suppliers should be a matter of concern.

The importance of supplier liability is illustrated by the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011. When the reactors were hit by the tsunami that year, the weakness of the General Electric (GE) Mark I design was cruelly exposed. The reactors’ inadequate containment was unable to prevent the spread of radioactivity when the cooling systems failed and pressure built up inside the reactors. Although this design defect was first noted about 40 years ago, just as the Fukushima reactors were commissioned, the industry resisted regulatory changes that could have ameliorated the disaster.

The Japan estimates that the cost of cleanup at Fukushima may reach $200 billion and that the disaster may lead to about a thousand excess deaths due to cancer. However, it is unlikely that GE will ever be held accountable for its poor design choice. Under Japanese law, the supplier is indemnified from liability for an accident. This is the framework of impunity under which nuclear suppliers like to operate.

Legal indemnity for suppliers creates a “moral hazard”— encouraging suppliers to take excessive risks since they don’t have to pay for the consequences. The case of GE not strengthening the Mark I containment is not an exception. The Presidential commission appointed to study the 1979 Three Mile Island disaster, which saw a partial nuclear meltdown, pointed out that the supplier, Babcock and Wilcox, was already aware of design defects that contributed to the accident, but never bothered to resolve them.

Fukushima: General Electric Knew Its Nuclear Reactor Design Was Unsafe … So Why Isn’t GE Getting Any Heat for Fukushima? | Global Research

hardly Modi is a Nationalist hard chance he will sell Indian Interests to the US