India to build four more nuclear power reactors

Chennai, Aug 3 (ANI): Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Anil Kakodkar here said that India would build four 700-megawatt nuclear power units shortly.

Talking to reporters here on Sunday, Kakodkar said, ""We are looking forward to launching new 700 megawatt power reactors. Government has already given in principal approval for four 700-megawatt units. So we want to quickly get the approval and start the construction."

Major nuclear powers-including Russia, European states and the United Sates-are expressing willingness to sell nuclear services to India, which is trying to build new generation capacity to cope with a projected increase in demand for energy.

Russia has signed more than 700 million dollars in deals to supply India's nuclear reactors with fuel pellets, since the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group last September lifted a ban on nuclear trade with India.

The ban was imposed after India's first nuclear test in 1974 and for its refusal to join the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). (ANI)