Nuclear Power Generation in Republic of India

[Hindustani78]

Department of Atomic Energy17-November, 2016 15:30 IST
Nuclear Power Generation in Country


The present installed nuclear power capacity in the country in commercial operation is 5780 MW. With the synchronisation of Kudankulam Unit-2 (KKNPP-2 1000 MW) to the grid in August 2016, an additional capacity of 1000 MW has been added. The unit is presently generating infirm power (non-commercial), and expected to commence commercial operation by the end of this year, which will enhance the present installed nuclear power capacity of 5780 MW to 6780 MW. Further, Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), a Public Sector Undertaking of Department of Atomic Energy, is constructing a Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) of 500 MW capacity at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, which is at an advanced stage of commissioning.



The Units-3&4 of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP 3&4 - 2X1000 MW) were launched recently on October 15, 2016, when the foundation concrete was placed. These units, KKNPP- 3 and 4 will add a capacity of 1000 MW each on their progressive completion expected in the financial year 2023-24.


The generation from nuclear power during the XII Plan period (2012 - 17) is expected to be about 180 Billion Units of electricity.



The nuclear power capacity plant-wise for all the operating nuclear power plants in the country is as below:



Nuclear Power Plant - Capacity (MW)

Tarapur Atomic Power Station-1 - 160

Tarapur Atomic Power Station-2 - 160

Tarapur Atomic Power Station -3 - 540

Tarapur Atomic Power Station -4 - 540

Rajasthan Atomic Power Station -1$ - 100

Rajasthan Atomic Power Station -2 - 200

Rajasthan Atomic Power Station -3 - 220

Rajasthan Atomic Power Station -4 - 220

Rajasthan Atomic Power Station -5 - 220

Rajasthan Atomic Power Station -6 - 220

Madras Atomic Power Station – 1 - 220

Madras Atomic Power Station – 2 - 220

Narora Atomic Power Station -1 - 220

Narora Atomic Power Station -2 - 220

Kakrapar Atomic Power Station -1** - 220

Kakrapar Atomic Power Station -2** - 220

Kaiga Generating Station -1 - 220

Kaiga Generating Station -2 - 220

Kaiga Generating Station -3 - 220

Kaiga Generating Station -4 - 220

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Unit -1 - 1000

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Unit – 2* - 1000


$ The unit is under extended shutdown for techno-economic assessment.


** These units are under project mode currently for refurbishment work; namely En-Masse Coolant

Channel Replacement (EMCCR)


* The unit is presently generating infirm power and expected to commence commercial operation by the

end of this year.



This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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[Hindustani78]

Department of Atomic Energy
17-November, 2016 15:30 IST
Joint Venture for Setting up of Nuclear Power Stations

Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has incorporated Joint Venture (JV) companies - Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Limited and NPCIL - Indian Oil Nuclear Energy Corporation Limited with National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd. and Indian Oil Corporation Limited, respectively, for setting up nuclear power plants. Preliminary discussions have been held with ONGC Ltd. in this regard.

Exploratory Discussions for setting up a Joint Venture with the Indian Railways to set up nuclear power plants has been held.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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[N.Siddiqui]

21 or 22 nuclear power plants are quite a lot for India, though the percentage of nuclear ower in total generation is still low overall in India I guess.

Pakistan has barely 4 nuclear power plants in operation, 4 under construction.

 

[Hindustani78]

A total of 433 nuclear power plants were operating around the world in 1999, based on data reported to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Power Reactor Information System (PRIS).

A three-stage programme is being pursued to develop Nuclear power in India consistent with our unique resource position of limited uranium and large thorium reserves. The first stage of this programme is based on pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs) for optimum use of the available uranium resources. These PHWRs not only use natural uranium efficiently but also provide plutonium as a by-product. The plutonium recovered from the spent fuel will facilitate use of our large thorium reserves for power production in subsequent stages of the programme.

The PHWR technology developed in the country for the 220 MWe units is a commercial success. Ten such units are at present in operation and two more are in final stages of construction and commissioning

the Nuclear Power Corporation has launched construction of two 500 MWe PHWR units at Tarapur – TAPP 3&4 - in October 1998.

Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) at Hyderabad demonstrated a similar performance by achieving the highest ever production of products such as zirconium oxide, zirconium sponge, uranium oxide and nuclear fuel bundles. In fact, the production of nuclear fuel bundles for the pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs) has been steadily increased by an average compounded growth rate of 35% per year during past four years. With the commissioning of its new mines at Narwapahar and the addition to its mill processing capacity at Jaduguda, the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), which achieved 92% of its production target during 1999-2000 is poised to significantly step up its production in the coming years.

 

[beijingwalker]

China has world's largest nuclear power capacity under construction

More than 100 nuclear power reactors will start up in China over the next decade. The strategy is outlined in the draft of China’s new Five-Year Plan that covers 2016 to 2020.

 

[Echo_419]

China has world's largest nuclear power capacity under construction

Will you be able to sleep peacefully now?

 

[Hindustani78]

Department of Atomic Energy
23-November, 2016 18:21 IST
Construction of Nuclear Power Plants

There are 21 nuclear power plants which are operational in the country with a total capacity of 5780 MW. In addition, the second unit of Kudankulam KKNPP-2 (1000 MW) is connected to the southern grid and is presently generating infirm power. The unit is expected to start commercial operation by end of this year. There are four nuclear power reactors under construction, each of 700 MW, which are progressively expected to be completed by 2019.

The Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), a public sector company under Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is constructing one 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. PFBR is under advanced stage of commissioning.

At present nuclear power reactors in operation are being operated close to their rated capacity.

The share of nuclear power in the total electricity generation in the country was about 3.4% in the year 2015-16.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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Department of Atomic Energy
23-November, 2016 18:22 IST
NUCLEAR WASTE

The wastes generated at the nuclear power stations during the operation in solid, liquid and gaseous forms are of low and intermediate radioactivity level. These are planned to be managed at the site itself. In this regard waste management facilities are planned to be set up at each of the sites. These wastes are appropriately treated, concentrated and subjected to volume reduction. The concentrates are immobilized in inert materials like cement, bitumen, polymers etc. and stored in specially constructed structures located at the site under monitoring. Typically, the quantity of low and intermediate level waste to be stored at site is about 0.15 cubic meters/year/MW. The treated liquids and gases are diluted and discharged under continuous monitoring, ensuring that the discharges are well within the limits set by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). The radioactivity level of the stored wastes reduces with time and by the end of the plant life, falls to very low levels.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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[Hindustani78]

Department of Atomic Energy
30-November, 2016 18:30 IST
Demand and Supply of Nuclear Fuel

There are currently twenty one (21) nuclear reactors with an installed capacity of 5780 MW. In addition, Kudankulam Unit-2 (KKNPP-2 1000 MW) has recently been connected to the grid and is presently generating infirm (non-commercial) power. The unit is expected to start commercial operation by the end of the year. Of the 22 reactors, 14 with a capacity of 4380 MW are under IAEA Safeguards and use imported uranium which is available in adequate quantity. Eight (8) reactors with aggregate capacity of 2400 MW are fuelled by indigenous uranium, of which there was a demand supply mismatch earlier leading to their being operated at lower power levels. This resulted in their lower capacity utilization. However, as a result of the efforts of the Government in augmentation of fuel, the Plant Load Factor (PLF) of the reactors fuelled by indigenous uranium has improved. There is presently no mismatch and the reactors are being operated close to their rated capacity.


Pursuant to the Civil Nuclear cooperation, contractual agreements were entered into with foreign suppliers to meet the fuel requirements of the Safeguarded Nuclear Power Plants. On the other hand, fuel requirements of the Outside Safeguarded Nuclear Power Plants are met through indigenous supplies from UCIL.

The details of import of nuclear fuel are tabulated below:

Quantity (MT)

Year _________________________ _____2013-14 - 2014-15 - 2015-16 - 2016-17(up to 22.11.2016)
M/s. JSC TVEL Corporation, Russia -------- 296.31 - 296.54 - 303.78/42.15* - 125.76
M/s. JSC NAC Kazatomprom, Kazakhstan-- 460 - 283.4 - Nil - 999.807
M/s. CAMECO, Canada --- - - - - 250.74 - 742.7


* Enriched Uranium Dioxide Pellets.


It is not in the public interest to disclose the indigenous supply of nuclear fuel to Nuclear Power Plants in the country.

Consequent upon the Civil Nuclear cooperation, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has been importing Uranium Ore to meet the Fuel requirements of safeguarded Nuclear Power Plants. Pursuant to the receipt of nuclear fuel from foreign sources, all the safeguarded nuclear power plants in the country are operating at full capacity.


This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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Department of Atomic Energy
30-November, 2016 18:28 IST
Civil Nuclear Agreement with Japan

The Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement recently signed between India and Japan would enable India to benefit from Japan’s advancements in civil nuclear domain and its extensive supply chain and would open up opportunities for collaboration between Indian and Japanese industries to advance India’s civil nuclear programme through the construction of nuclear power plants, thereby meeting the country’s clean energy targets.

Detailed techno-commercial discussions between the two sides will be finalised during the course of implementation of the agreement.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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Department of Atomic Energy
30-November, 2016 18:29 IST
Conversion of Sea Water into Potable Water

Desalination of seawater is possible by using Thermal Desalination Technology and/or Membrane Technology like Reverse Osmosis (RO). Thermal and/or Electrical energy from Atomic Power Station or Nuclear Research Reactor/s can be used for this purpose. A total of 63 lakh litres per day capacity seawater desalination plant has been setup as Nuclear Desalination Demonstration Project (NDDP) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu and is under regular operation producing 45 lakh litres of water per day by Thermal Desalination process, drawing nuclear low pressure steam from the existing and operating Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS). Also, 18 lakh litres of water per day is being produced using membrane based technology using grid electrical energy of MAPS. The plant is the largest operating hybrid nuclear desalination plant in the world. The plant produces dual quality of water – water for high-end industrial applications of quality less than 10 mg per litre of TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) and potable water of less than 500 mg per litre of TDS for drinking and other applications.

The sea water desalination plant set up at Kalpakkam is a demonstration plant. The cost of water produced depends upon many factors like cost of electricity, quality of required end product, choice of technologies, seawater quality, local infrastructure and logistics etc. On an average, the cost of conversion of seawater into desalinated water is about 10 paise per litre of water produced. At present, there is no proposal before the Government to set up sea water Desalination plant using Atomic Energy.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.


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Nuclear Desalination Demonstration Plant (NDDP) at Kalpakkam for Sea Water

 

[Hindustani78]

Department of Atomic Energy
01-December, 2016 16:43 IST
Measures to meet targets for Nuclear Power

The Government has taken measures to ensure availability of fuel in required quantity (from both domestic and imported sources) and to expedite ongoing projects.

In addition, the Government has taken the following measures to facilitate nuclear power capacity addition:

• In principle approval of sites to locate nuclear power plants in future.

• Creation of India Nuclear Insurance Pool to cover the Operator’s Liability as prescribed under the provisions of the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act, 2010.

• Amendment to the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 to facilitate establishment of Joint Venture Companies (JVC) by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) with other Central Public Sector Undertakings to set up nuclear power plants.

• Budget speech announcement (2016-17) on augmenting investment in nuclear power.

A focussed approach directed towards research and development with identified goals are being carried out in various fields like advanced reactor development, nuclear fuel cycle, thorium fuel utilisation, reactor safety studies, life cycle & ageing management studies, electronics and instrumentation, high efficiency energy conversion, advanced materials and remote handling and robotics.

The research and development activities in NPCIL are being carried out for development of technology, tools, testing facilities etc. aimed at enhancement of nuclear and radiation safety, reliable operation of nuclear power plants and development of equipment/ components/ systems for current and future nuclear power reactors.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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[Hindustani78]

Department of Atomic Energy
07-December, 2016 15:09 IST
Advanced Heavy Water Reactor Technology

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), a constituent unit of Department of Atomic Energy, is working on the research and development of the Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR). It is a thorium fuel based vertical pressure tube type, heavy water moderated and boiling light water cooled reactor. The 300 MWe capacity AHWR designed by BARC is intended to serve as a technology demonstrator for a range of technologies for Thorium utilisation as well as for several advanced safety features that have been incorporated. With this objective, several innovative features of the design are currently being validated through large scale engineering experiments. The current status is that design of all important nuclear systems of AHWR has been completed and various associated confirmatory R&D studies, detailed engineering of AHWR, various works related to obtaining the necessary site selection approvals and associated statutory/regulatory clearances are being taken up.

AHWR being a technology demonstration reactor will provide impetus for development of technologies for the third stage of India’s Nuclear Power Programme. It will provide experience on use of Thorium fuel on a large and industrial scale. In addition, the research programme which is underway for development of advanced safety systems will also provide benefits for post Fukushima related improvements for other operating / under-construction reactors.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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[Hindustani78]

Department of Atomic Energy08-December, 2016 16:18 IST
Power Generated from Kudankulam Power Project



Both the units of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) 1&2 are functional. The first unit, KKNPP-1 (1000 MW) is in commercial operation since December 2014 and the second unit, KKNPP-2 is generating infirm (non- commercial) power from August 29, 2016. The unit is expected to start commercial operation in the current financial year.



Electricity generated by central sector generating stations is allocated to the beneficiary states and union territories in the electricity region by the Ministry of Power. The allocation from KKNPP-1&2 (2000 MW) is as follows:


State - Allocation in MW

Karnataka - 442
Kerala - 266
Tamil Nadu - 925
Puducherry - 67
Unallocated (Central Pool)- 300


This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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[Hindustani78]

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/586187/cyclone-govt-taking-precautions-kalpakkam.html
New Delhi, Dec 12, 2016 (PTI)

Government has taken all precautions for the safety of Kalpakkam nuclear power plant as Tamil Nadu faces a severe cyclonic storm Vardah today.

"All precautions are taken at nuclear plant Kalpakkam to face Vardah. So far all is well and plant operation is normal. The plant is in touch with the India Meteorological Department," the National Disaster Management Authority said in a statement.

Kalpakkam is in Kancheepuram, which along with Chennai, Tiruvallur and Villupuram in northern Tamil Nadu, has been pounded by heavy rainfall and high velocity winds.

The Nuclear power Corporation of India-run power plant has two operational units which produces 440 MW power while another plant of 500 MW is undergoing construction.

The wind speed of cyclone Vardah reached 110-120 kmph as the landfall process began.

People are advised to remain in safe places and cooperate with state government officials and disaster management agencies, the NDMA said.

As many as 19 team of National Disaster Response Force (one team comprises of 35 personnel) have been deployed in coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh to deal with any situation arising out of the cyclone's landfall.

Fishermen are advised not to venture into sea along and off south Andhra Pradesh, north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts during next two days.

So far 7,354 people from Tamil Nadu living in areas of possible landfall have been shifted to safer places and kept in 54 relief centres.

 

[Hindustani78]

Department of Atomic Energy
14-December, 2016 16:37 IST
Treatment of Hazardous Wastes


Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), a constituent unit of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has transferred a number of technologies to many private entrepreneurs on non-exclusive basis as per the following categories:-

S.No. - Name of the Technologies Transferred in the areas of commercial development- No. of Private entrepreneurs

1.Water Technology - 81
2.Engineering Technology-3
3.Medical Equipments-11
4.Chemical Technology-8
5.Advanced Instrumentation-16
6.Radiation Technology-24
7.Agriculture, Environment & Bio-Sciences-106
Total - 249

The selected technologies which are transferred to private entrepreneurs as such do not generate hazardous waste. In addition, adequate guidelines are provided to the transferees for maintaining industrial and environmental safety.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.


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Department of Atomic Energy
14-December, 2016 16:35 IST
NSG Membership

India is currently engaged in nuclear trade with international partners based on a waiver from Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) in 2008. The waiver is in the form of a concession without according India the status of a full member of NSG and therefore has an element of unpredictability and attendant risks in the long-run for India’s long-term nuclear power programme. Full membership of the NSG would enable India to have enhanced and predictable global access to nuclear technology, fuel, materials and components required for our expanding civil nuclear programme. It would advance energy security, contribute to India’s growth strategy based on clean energy to combat climate change, and strengthen global nuclear non-proliferation.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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[Hindustani78]

Department of Atomic Energy
15-December, 2016 17:48 IST
Joint Venture by NPCIL for Production of Electricity

At present, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is the sole agency producing electricity from nuclear power in the country. However, another company, Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) is also authorised to generate electricity from nuclear power.

The Government has brought about amendments in the provisions of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 to enable Joint Ventures (JVs) of NPCIL & Public Sector companies to set up nuclear power projects. The main objective of enabling the JVs is to achieve expansion of nuclear power capacity in the country. So far, three joint venture companies – Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Limited (NPCIL-NTPC Ltd.), NPCIL-Indian Oil Nuclear Energy Corporation Limited (NPCIL-IOCL) and NPCIL-Nalco Power Company Limited (NPCIL- NALCO) have been incorporated. Exploratory discussions have also been held with other Public Sector companies and Indian Railways in this regard.

The quantity of electricity produced in the year 2015-16 was 37456 Million Units (MUs) and has been 25803 MUs during the current financial year (2016-17) upto November 2016, including 425 MUs of infirm (non-commercial) power from Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP – Unit 2). In the last ten years, share of NPCIL’s generation was around 3% of the total electricity generation in the country.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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Department of Atomic Energy
15-December, 2016 17:47 IST
Treatment of Cancer Through Radio Therapy

In the last two decades there has been a continuous increase in availability of Radiation Oncology facilities for cancer care in India and the number of treatment units (Linear Accelerators and Telecobalts) have increased from less than 250 in the year 1995 to approximately 552 units in 2015. The newer Radiation facilities, though lesser than the actual requirement in the country, do have advanced facilities for catering to radiotherapy cancer treatment.

Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and its units have made excellent progress in developing division of Radiation Oncology as a state of art clinical service that's at par with the best in the world which provides training at international level for basic and advanced procedures in cancer care and has emerged as an important centre.

DAE, Government of India is supporting International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) member countries not only in cancer treatment but in infrastructural and human resource capacity development as well. Low cost radiotherapy equipment like Bhabhatron, IMAGIN, developed indigenously has been donated by Government of India to various countries.

DAE ,Government of India and its centres specializing in cancer care are in a unique position to provide cost effective radiotherapy solutions to IAEA member countries and will continue to support activities related to cancer care.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.



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[el che]

Any breakthrough on thorium based reactors?