BL reported that NTPC Ltd is gearing up for its entry into nuclear power generation and a core group is being readied for the new venture. The thermal major has set up a Nuclear Project Engineering Group and a core group of 30 engineers have begun their training in nuclear power technology as part of the company’s effort to build a core team of nuclear power professionals.

NTPC is among the new entrants in the nuclear sector with State owned Indian Oil Corporation and National Aluminium Company Ltd also in the fray.

NTPC which has already signed an initial Memorandum of Understanding with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd to set up nuclear power projects through a joint venture is targeting 2,000 MW by 2017.

A company official said that “We are getting in place the training of a core team. This is being done in partnership with NPCIL, with the aim of gearing up to commence work on a project, as soon as it is assigned to use.”

While a pact with NTPC Ltd is already in the works, NPCIL is in talks with both IOC and Nalco, which will all be roped in as junior partners and investors for possible joint venture projects on the anvil.

This comes as a proposal to allow private players to set up nuclear projects in the country, envisaged through an amendment to the Atomic Energy Act, is likely to be put on the backburner.

Government officials said that the Center’s alternative strategy to tide over the paucity of funds and ramp up execution capability for new Light Water Reactor based projects hinges on roping in core-sector public sector undertakings and implementing projects through joint ventures with state owned Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. The country’s installed nuclear power capacity is 4,120 MW.

(Sourced from Business Line)