Question : Capacity Addition in Nuclear Power Projects

(a) whether the Government is aware of the fact that the installed capacity of nuclear power projects has reportedly been below the estimated target fixed by the Government despite regular expenditure escalation and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the reaction of the Government thereto; and

(b) the targets fixed by the Government for nuclear capacity addition during each of the last three years along with the details of actual installed nuclear capacity during the said period?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR.JITENDRA SINGH):

(a) The setting up of Nuclear Power Projects (NPPs) is characterized by long drawn pre-project activities comprising of land acquisition, obtaining statutory clearances, accord of Government approval and commencement of work. The NPPs require exacting standards equipment which are being sourced from domestic industry for setting up commercial indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). The delay in setting up of NPPs have impacted the estimated target, mainly on account of delay in the process of land acquisition, obtaining statutory clearances, delay in supply of long delivery equipment, local protests and financial crisis of domestic vendors. The memory effect, post Fukushima accident also lowered the sentiments and added to the local protests.

The government has taken several enabling steps to increase the nuclear power capacity and to provide adequate quantity of fuel. These include:

(i) Resolution of issues related to Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act & creation of Indian Nuclear Insurance Pool (INIP).

(ii) Accord of administrative approval and financial sanction of - ten (10) indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) to be set up in fleet mode & two (02) units of Light Water Reactors (LWRs) to be set up in cooperation with Russian Federation.

(iii) Amendment of the Atomic Energy Act to enable Joint Ventures of Public Sector Companies to set up nuclear power projects.

(iv) Entering into enabling agreements with foreign countries for nuclear power cooperation including supply of fuel.

(v) Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has provided loans to vendors to address their financial crisis.

(vi) NPCIL has instituted an ongoing structured public outreach programme based on a multipronged approach to address the apprehensions of the people about safety of nuclear power and related issues and allay their concerns in a credible manner.

(vii) Enhanced project monitoring to identify and address the issues affecting project progress at multiple levels coupled with close monitoring through Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation “PRAGATI” platform.

(b) The details are as follows:
Capacity Addition (MW)
Year Target Actual
2014-15 - 1000
2015-16 1400 -
2016-17 1400 1000

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