(a) whether there is shortage of fuel for atomic reactors in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) the quantity of uranium imported from various countries and expenditure incurred thereon during the last three years and the current year, country-wise and year- wise;
(d) whether the Government has any scheme to make the country self-reliant in atomic fuel; and
(e) if so, the time by when it is to be done?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE), PMO,
PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS.
(SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN):
(a)&(b) There are nineteen reactors (4560 MW) of which one reactor RAPS-1 (100 MW) is under
long term shutdown and KAPS-1 (220 MW) after completion of Renovation & Modernization, is
awaiting fuel for restart. Seven reactors (1400 MW) use imported uranium which is available.
The remaining ten reactors (2840 MW) use domestic uranium, which is not available in the
required quantity. These are operated at reduced power levels.
(c) Details of uranium imported from various countries and expenditure incurred thereon
during the last three years and the current year are as under:
Year Country Quantity Expenditure including taxes and statutory levies (`)
2007 & 2008 NIL 2009 France 300 MT of Uranium Ore Concentrates 266.08 cr. Russia 58 MT of enriched Uranium Dioxide Pellets 352.70 cr. 120 MT Natural Uranium Dioxide Pellets 223.33 cr. 2010 Russia 90 MT Natural Uranium Dioxide Pellets 137.37 cr. Kazakhstan 300 MT of Natural Uranium Ore Concentrate 161.88 cr.