L&T mulls manufacturing sophisticated nuclear reactors
With the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal in sight, construction and engineering major L&T is looking at the possibility of manufacturing light-water reactors and core equipment, a senior company official said.
By PTI |
MUMBAI : With the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal in sight, construction and engineering major L&T is looking at the possibility of manufacturing light-water reactors and core equipment, a senior company official said.
While L&T's construction and manufacturing capabilities are already established, it is only for design that some tie-ups with a foreign company could become necessary, L&T Board Member and Senior Executive Vice President (Heavy Engineering) M V Kotwal told media.
"We are already an established manufacturer of the Candu-type pressurised heavy-water type reactors. After the agreement is signed, new generation reactors will come to India. We have the capability to manufacture the main pressure vessels and core equipment for those reactors. But we don't design those reactors. It is only there that we may need to have a tie-up," Kotwal said.
India is now awaiting approval by the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) for waiver of certain conditions for nuclear commerce. The Indo-US deal will later go before US Congress for ratification.
Four leading companies -- Areva of France, GE and Westinghouse of the United States and Atomstroyexport of Russia -- are waiting to enter the Indian market for supply of reactors and fuel.
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"We are in discussion with the leading foreign firms for manufacturing reactors and reactor equipment of their design. In addition, L&T is uniquely positioned in being able to undertake complete construction work as well as supply electrical equipment and special valves for nuclear plants," Kotwal said. L&T may later export them, he said.
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