BHEL, NPCIL form JV for nuclear power projects

New Delhi, Apr 4 (UNI) In a boost to the indigenous nuclear power programme, electrical giant BHEL today signed an MoU with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) to set up a joint venture company (JVC) for executing nuclear power projects on engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) basis.

It is the first JVC with NPCIL for carrying out EPC activities for nuclear power plants (conventional island).

''The JVC will explore various technologies available for steam turbine generator sets of 700 MW rating and above to meet the needs of various nuclear projects proposed to be set up in future,'' BHEL CMD K Ravi Kumar said after signing the MoU with his NPCIL counterpart S K Jain.

It would also help in providing 700 MW steam turbine generator sets for nuclear power plants abroad.

Mr Jain expressed confidence that the JVC would help in increasing the country's nuclear power capacity by nine times.

Atomic Energy Commission chairman Anil Kakodkar said the JVC would enable the country to strengthen its nuclear capabilities further.

Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Prithviraj Chavan said the JVC was independent of the India-US nuclear deal.

To a question, he said only Central PSUs can do business with NPCIL.

''For private sector participation in NPCIL projects, the Atomic Energy Act has to be be changed,'' he added.

Heavy Industries Minister Santosh Mohan Dev said the JVC would increase the core strengths of the two companies in nuclear power generation.

''This is going to herald a new era of developing nuclear plants in India,'' he added.

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