The Hindu : 'Koodankulam reactors superior to Chinese ones'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jun 27, 2002

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'Koodankulam reactors superior to Chinese ones'

By Our Staff Reporter

TIRUNELVELI JUNE 26. Claiming that the nuclear reactors being constructed in Koodankulam in Tamil Nadu are more sophisticated than the Chinese reactors in terms of safety, the Koodankulam Atomic Power Project (KAPP) Director, S.K. Agarwal, said the Indian nuclear scientists could share their experience and expertise with their Chinese counterparts, "as our technocrats are more well-versed in the construction and operation of nuclear reactors."

However, Mr. Agarwal hastened to add that any transfer of technology between the two countries would be possible only if the Central Government was willing to do so.

Mr. Agarwal was addressing the media on his return from China where he visited two VVER-1000 type nuclear reactors being constructed at Tianwan village in Jiansu province with Russian assistance.

India had successfully incorporated the `Passive System' in the nuclear reactors which had ensured superior safety.

The Chinese authorities initially prevented him from visiting some of the ``strategic points'' of their unit, but later allowed him to visit every part of the reactor construction site. "It shows that the Chinese have recognised us as experts in the field of nuclear science,'' he said.

However, some of the construction techniques being followed by the Chinese "were superior than ours" which would be applied in the KAPP. "It will further strengthen the safety measures of our reactors,'' he said. On the progress of construction of KAPP, he said the work was ahead of schedule putting pressure on Russia to supply the drawings and other materials in time

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