Russia and India are intensifying their cooperative efforts in nuclear technology and scientific research, a senior official of Russian state atomic energy company Rosatom has told Indian news agency PTI.
Rosatom CEO AE Likhacheva highlighted the potential for expanded collaboration between the two countries in nuclear and non-nuclear sectors.
Last month, during his visit to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) in Tamil Nadu, Likhacheva noted the valuable experience gained from the construction of KNPP's initial units.
He stated: “Already, our co-operation extends beyond the borders of India. Indian companies are participating in Rosatom’s project to build the first nuclear power plant in Bangladesh - Rooppur NPP.”
He also mentioned that Rosatom is exploring 80 new areas of activity, many of which could be shared with friendly nations including India.
Rosatom has stated that "...we can offer the Indian side our competencies in the construction of low-power nuclear power plants”.
Rosatom's CEO also expressed optimism about the prospects for joint scientific research with India, particularly in the area of controlled thermonuclear fusion.
He also offered Indian scientists the chance to conduct research at Russia's MBIR multi-purpose fast neutron research reactor.
“This will be the most powerful research reactor in the world. It will open up unique opportunities for conducting a wide range of work on medical topics, research in the field of fundamental and applied physics, as well as in the interests of creating new materials,” he said.
Rosatom plans to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and have an installed capacity share of non-fossil fuel energy sources of 50% by 2030. Those objectives would be significantly aided by nuclear energy.
The construction of KNPP is a flagship project of Indo-Russian cooperation, with the plant featuring modern generation 3 VVER-1000 reactors.
Likhacheva confirmed that units 1 and 2 are operating smoothly and in full compliance with safety standards.
The first batches of TVS-2M fuel assemblies, which have an increased nuclear fuel load, were delivered to KNPP in June 2022. The second unit will receive the new fuel in mid-2024.
He said: “The construction of the second stage (blocks 3 and 4) and the third stage (blocks 5 and 6) is actively underway. The construction process of the nuclear power plant is in full swing.
“The Russian side’s area of responsibility includes design, [the] supply of main and auxiliary equipment, installation supervision and personnel training. We fulfil all our obligations in full.”
