Jairam favours finnish technology for Jaitapur nuclear plant

NEW DELHI: With continued public concern over safety of nuclear power and the use of Areva's "untested" technology in the Jaitapur nuclear power park, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh is looking to Finland's experience in dealing with the situation.

Finland's Olkiluoto 3 will the first operational plant using Areva's EPR technology. With the government committed setting up an independent Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority, Finland's Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) provides an interesting model as well.

STUK director general Jukka Laaksonen has offered to assist India in building up the proposed nuclear regulatory authority and enable it to deal with Areva's reactors at Jaitapur, drawing on Finland's experience over the past decade.

Ramesh, who met with Jukka Laaksonen, during his recent visit to Helsinki, has written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about Finland's experience with the EPR reactor and the structure and power of the Finnish nuclear authority.

Laaksonen is also understood to have supported the policy of standardisation of reactor designs in an effort to build up effective regulatory capability. Ramesh had raised this issue also in his earlier letter to the Prime Minister.

STUK is a completely independent body, which is administered by the country's ministry of Social Affairs and Health Administration. The ministry works out the annual budget and performance goals, and nominates the director general for STUK. As head of the nuclear regulator, the director general decides on STUK's organisation, use of financial resources and appointment of staff. At present it has a staff strength of nearly 350.

The Finnish regulator has used the IAEA's integrated Regulatory Review Services to strengthen its effectiveness and regulatory systems. Laaksonen is understood to have advised that India use this programme actively.

The Finnish nuclear regulator is authorised to give binding orders to ensure nuclear safety. It has the veto power. STUK's jurisdiction extends to the entire supply chain and not just the main vendor. As a matter of fact, communication, inspection, and constant interaction with suppliers is given the highest priority in the STUK.