Mr Praful Patel minister of heavy industries and public enterprises informed the Rajya Sabha that Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited proposes international partnership to tap the nuclear reactor turbine market in the country.

A Joint Venture Company for execution of Conventional Island (Turbine side) for 700 MW nuclear power plants is contemplated to be set up between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited, BHEL and Alstom of France.

BHEL is further making efforts to associate with other international nuclear reactor vendors for possible cooperation to manufacture the components of higher size reactors.

BHEL has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding in February 2011 with NPCIL and Alstom for formation of JVC for execution of Conventional Island (Turbine side) of Nuclear Power Plant for 700 MW and above.

In January 2011, an MOU has also been signed between BHEL and GE-Hitachi (USA) for possible cooperation to Manufacture components of higher size reactors (1000 MW & above).

Based on the MOU signed between BHEL, NPCIL and Alstom for formation of a JVC, BHEL has received orders for manufacture & supply of Steam Turbine Generator package in consortium with Alstom for 2x700 MWe nuclear power plant of NPCIL at Kakrapar Units # 3 & 4. For this, Steam Turbine components are being manufactured and supplied by BHEL and Alstom, and balance equipment including erection & commissioning is being undertaken by BHEL. BHEL shall be manufacturing Steam Turbine components based on manufacturing drawings given by Alstom.