(a) whether the Government has formulated a three stage nuclear energy programme on the basis `of indigenous nuclear fuel sources to provide long-term energy security to the country; , ,
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the presenf status thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER`S OFFICE (SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN):
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) The details of the three-stage nuclear power programme are:
- Natural uranium fuelled Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) in the first stage. - Fast Breeder Reactors utilising uranium-plutonium fuel cycle in the second stage. - Breeder Reactors for utilisation of thorium, in the third stage.
The three stages of the programme have fuel cycle linkages and have to be gone through sequentially.