(a) whether the Government proposes to set up new integrated nuclear recycle plants with facilities for both reprocessing of spent fuel and waste management;
(b) if so, the details thereof and their locations; and
(c) the time by when these plants are likely to be made functional?
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) Yes Sir. Three plants are planned and design of the first plant has started.
(b) Integrated Nuclear Recycle Plant (INRP) for Reprocessing and Waste Management in an
integrated manner will be built for the first time in the country. The plant will process
Spent Fuel from Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors utilizing the experience and expertise
available in the Department of Atomic Energy in the design, construction and operation of
separate smaller plants. The integrated plant, presently at the design stage, will be
completely indigenous and will use latest technology available in India. The first
INRP will be located at Tarapur for which infrastructure development work has started. Site
for the other two plants are yet to be decided.
(c) The first plant at Tarapur is expected to be functional by 2017. The remaining plants
will be commissioned with a two to three years gap.