(a) whether the uranium used in the nuclear reactors for production of nuclear energy has reached India after the signing of Indo-US civil nuclear deal;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the extent to which the present power crisis can be solved with the import of uranium from various countries; and
(d) the States which are likely to be benefited therefrom?
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) Yes, Sir. Following the decision of Nuclear Supplier’s Group in September, 2008 and
finalization of Agreements with friendly countries including the USA, contracts have been
signed with France, Russia and Kazakhstan for supply of uranium. While France has completed
the supply, part supplies have been received from Russia.
(c) Imported fuel can be used only in reactors under International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA) safeguards. At present only 7 operating reactors are under IAEA safeguards. Capacity utilization has improved after introduction of imported uranium in safeguarded reactors.
(d) The State of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab,
Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir and Chandigarh are likely to be benefited from
the above import of Uranium.