Nuclear Power - News and Analysis

Haripur Nuclear Energy Park mooted by Atomic Energy Commission

Atomic Energy Commission has selected Haripur in Midnapore district in West Bengal as one of the 5 coastal location to set up a nuclear power plant. To meet the objective of nuclear energy programme and vision 2020, it plans to add 40000 MGWT of nuclear energy by using indigenous and imported nuclear fuel. It may be noted, National Fishworkers Forum in Haripur and a section of Trinamul Congress are against the project.

NPCIL is expanding its Kakrapar Nuclear Plant

Nuclear Power Corp of India Ltd is expanding its Kakrapar Atomic Power station by adding two nuclear reactors of 700 MW each. It has awarded one of the largest kind of contract worth Rs.8440 million to Larsen & Toubro. The scope of work includes heavy water upgrading plant, reactor building, auxiliary buildings, structural steel works etc., The nuclear reactors will be based on thermal heavy water technology and is expected to be commissioned in the next 5 years.

Varun Energy acquires uranium mines in Madagascar

Varun Energy Corp, a group company of Varun Industries Ltd has acquired uranium mines in Madagascar. It has acquired 1111 blocks covering 6900 sq.km with estimated reserves of 1,700,000 tonne of uranium, 4,350,000 tonne of thorium and traces of gold for exploration, exploitation and output sale.

Cameco Corporation sets up operations in India

Cameco Corporation, world second largest producer of uranium after Rio Tinto of Brazil is setting up operations in India. Initially, it will set up an marketing office to do the ground work. The company cannot do business until Canada and Indian governments signs up a nuclear cooperation agreement. However, India is in talks with various countries like Russia, Australia, Kazakhstan, Namibia and also Canada which is the largest producer of uranium in 2008