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| India-Pakistan |
| GE plans to build nuclear plants, supply fuel to India |
| 2006-08-17 |
| After discussions with Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL), GE now intends to supply advanced boiling water reactor (ABWR) and economic simplified boiling water reactor (ESBWR) technologies to India. “GE has two technologies that would be a great fit for the Indian market. The first is the ABWR. This is the only Generation-III reactor technology that has been developed, approved, built and operated in the world,” Peter Wells, general manager (marketing) for GE Energy’s nuclear business, told ET over phone from his North Carolina office in the US. “In addition, GE holds technology for ESBWR. This is based on the ABWR technology platform with some key evolution that will improve operational efficiency, safety and economics. It entails lower construction and operational costs. The design is currently undergoing review by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in the US. Final Design Approval is expected by ’08, but the design is already being developed for two US utilities.” He said further: “GE has supplied ABWR technology to Japan and Taiwan. Today, there are four ABWR plants operating, three more are under construction, and 14 are at planning stage in Japan and the US. This technology is available now and proved, making it an ideal option for India.” GE Nuclear is primarily looking at four principal areas of opportunities in India, including building reactors. It’s keen on supplying fuel for these reactors, along with parts and services, to maintain and improve plant performance. To this effect, Andrew White, president and CEO of GE Energy’s nuclear business, will also be interacting with a number of government officials towards the end of the year. “GE has already established a dedicated team for nuclear energy in Mumbai, and we hope to expand this capability as and when we have approval from the US government to do so,” Mr Wells said. Executives from GE’s nuclear division have already met their NPCIL counterparts, other government officials plus executives from a select few private engineering firms in India. “These meetings will continue, and we have scheduled some more for the rest of the year. It includes meeting officials of the ministry of economic affairs (MEA), the Planning Commission, the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), the department of atomic energy (DAE), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), and NPCIL,” Mr Wells told ET. |
| Posted by:john |