NPCIL close to concluding talks with Russians on Kudankulam units

NEW DELHI: State-run Nuclear power Corporation of India (NPCIL) is in the final stages of negotiations with Russian companies for establishing two nuclear units at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu.

“NPCIL is in final stages of negotiation with its Russian counterparts for establishing KKNPP 5&6 at Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu. The General Frame work Agreement for the same is expected to be completed by the end of January, 2017. Government may have to allocate US$80 million (Rs 544 crore approx) for KKNPP 5&6,” the documents said.

The government has announced plans to augment the investment in nuclear power generation. It said Budgetary allocation up to Rs 3,000 crore per annum, together with public sector investments, will be leveraged to facilitate the required investment for this purpose.

NPCIL has drawn up a roadmap for 10 indigenous 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors to be set up over the next 10-15 years. The Atomic Energy Commission has approved the proposal and recommended to approach the Cabinet Committee on Security.

A draft cabinet note has been circulated amongst nodal ministries as part of inter-ministerial consultations. Some ministries have already concurred with the proposal and NPCIL has been requested to prepare detailed project report for the proposed Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors, the documents said.