India to Generate 20000 MW of Nuclear Power by 2020

India won NSG approval in Vienna on Saturday 6th September 2008 for one off India Specific waiver. This waiver from NSG, which controls the export and sale of nuclear technology, brings to an end India’s 34 year nuclear isolation.  

Expecting a surge in nuclear power generation, energy major Tata Power is busy planning and studying a minimum $3 billion (Rs 120 billion) foray into nuclear power. "Tata Power will initially venture into nuclear power either on its own or through a joint venture once the sector is opened up to private utilities. We will go in for at least two units having a total capacity of 2,200-3,400 MW."  said Sharaf Ali Bohra, advisor for Tata Power. 

The Atomic Energy Act, 1962, also has to be amended so that joint ventures can be formed with the state-run Nuclear Power Corp. Industry lobbies like the Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) feel that the amendment can result in India generating some 20,000 MW of nuclear power by 2020. 

At present, four major technologies are available for nuclear power using enriched uranium. India also has an indigenous technology using natural uranium, as it did not have the sanction to import enriched uranium. 

General Electric of the US has developed an economical simplified boiling water reactor with a capacity of 1,500 MW per unit. Two such units will cost anywhere between $2.75 and 3.25 billion. Mitsubishi of Japan also has an advanced pressurised water reactor technology with a capacity of 1,700 MW per unit, while Areva of France has developed what is called the European pressurised reactor technology, also of similar capacity.. 

The capital cost of both these technologies of 3,400 MW will be the same as that of the GE technology. Westinghouse of the US also has its advanced pressurised water reactor technology of 1,100 MW per unit capacity, costing $3.5-4 billion for two units.

Russian Rosatom has water cooled, water moderated technology called VVER (Vodo-Vodyanoi Energetichesky Reactor) Russian reactor has a shorter lifespan and needs to be refueled more often than those of its Western competitors, the plants are cheaper to build and Russia guarantees fuel deliveries. 2 x 1000 MW Russian reactor is currently under construction at Kudankulam. 

India has 17 nuclear power plants with a capacity of 4,120 megawatts, while six units of 3,160 MW are under construction. U.S.-based Westinghouse Electric and GE, France's Areva, and Russia’s Rosatom had been pre qualified by India’s monopoly nuclear power generator for placement of future orders 

Tata Power, Tata Projects, BHEL, L&T, Gammon & HCC will benefit in the long run by the increased activity in Nuclear Power Generation.