Nuclear Power - News and Analysis

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

Uranium supplies from Australia

With signing of Indo-US-Atomic Deal, India is free to gain civilian nuclear cooperation with countries for supply of enriched uranium or uranium ore. India has made good progress with talks on nuclear fuel and it is likely to get uranium for joint venture nuclear power plants. An agreement in this regard is likely to be signed in November 2009.