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NTPC sends programme draft to Kakodkar

NEW DELHI: The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has sent a draft of its nuclear programme to Atomic Energy Department Chairman Anil Kakodkar for his approval before the ball is set rolling for signing a memorandum of understanding with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) for setting up two new plants of 1000 Mwe each.

After getting his feedback, the company will tie up loose ends and put in place the MoU to be signed in order to give shape to the NTPC’s nuclear debut, official sources said here.

The Power Ministry, led by Minister of State Jairam Ramesh, last month held talks with NPCIL Chairman S.K. Jain and Dr. Kakodkar on this joint venture after the successful conclusion of the India-U.S. nuclear deal.

“I have urged Dr. Kakodkar to show some flexibility and allow 49 per cent stake for NTPC in the JV instead of 26 per cent as the former is more psychological,” Mr. Ramesh said on his return here from Bangalore.

Mr. Ramesh said Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited had signed an MoU with NPCIL for 700-MWe plus turbines.

Now talks would be held for forming a formidable joint venture for export of CANDU reactors.

“Dr. Kakodkar had been kind enough to agree in principle to have further talks and then sign MoUs on these lines. I have further asked him to ensure that the MoUs for both ventures are signed before the end of this year,” the Minister said.

Dr. Kakodkar has made it clear that the Department of Atomic Energy has formulated a policy, under which NPCIL will have a majority stake in the first set of projects.

He is learnt to have told that as the matter involves the sensitive issues of safety, fuel supply, safeguards and waste management, it would be appropriate that NPCIL holds the majority stake.

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