(a)whether the country has the capability for developing third generation nuclear reactors;
(b)if so, the details thereof ; and
(c)if not, the reasons therefor along with the steps, if any, taken by the Government to build such capability?
(a)whether the country has the capability for developing third generation nuclear reactors;
(b)if so, the details thereof ; and
(c)if not, the reasons therefor along with the steps, if any, taken by the Government to build such capability?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (Dr. JITENDRA SINGH) :
(a)&(b) Yes, Sir. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has designed Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) for utilisation of Thorium. This reactor has several passive safety systems and runs on coolant flow by natural circulation. It meets all the post Fukushima requirements and can withstand severe accidents without exposing radiation in the environment. It meets all the safety features of 3rd generation reactors. AHWR design has been reviewed by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has accorded pre-licensing approval. Government of India has given ‘in principle ‘approval for constructing AHWR in Tarapur, Maharashtra
(c)Not applicable in view of (a) & (b) above.
*******