India and Russia to Expand Nuclear Energy Cooperation
India and Russia have agreed to expand their cooperation in the field of nuclear energy. This decision was made during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India. The two countries are discussing the construction of a second nuclear power plant in India with Russian-designed reactors.
Details of the Agreement
According to a joint statement, India will work towards finalizing the allocation of the second site for the nuclear plant. The leaders of both nations have expressed their intention to broaden collaboration in several areas:
- Fuel cycle
- Lifecycle support for the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP)
- Non-power applications of nuclear energy
- A new agenda for peaceful use of atomic energy and related technologies
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP)
India currently operates two Russian VVER reactors (each with a 1 GW capacity) at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu. There are plans to add four more units to this plant.
Second Nuclear Site Discussions
Discussions regarding the second site for six 1.2 GW reactors have been ongoing since 2016. However, progress has been slow due to legal constraints. The Kudankulam plant is unique as it predates the current liability law, making it the only one hosting foreign reactors.
Further Agreements
Both sides have agreed to expedite technical and commercial discussions on various aspects, including:
- VVER of Russian design
- Research and joint development of NPPs
- Localization and joint manufacturing of nuclear equipment
- Fuel assemblies for Russian-designed large capacity Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs), subject to mutually agreeable terms
Legislative Changes and Private Sector Involvement
The Modi government is planning legislative changes to the atomic energy law to allow private nuclear operators. Currently, the state-owned Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd is responsible for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of most of India's nuclear power plants. The proposed changes aim to ease the current liability regime.
Kudankulam Project Progress
The leaders acknowledged the progress made in the implementation of the KKNPP project, including the construction of remaining units, and agreed to adhere to the timeline for equipment and fuel supplies.
Future Goals
Cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy is a key part of the strategic partnership. The Indian government plans to increase India's nuclear energy capacity to 100GW by 2047.
