GE Hitachi of United States will supply generation III plus reactors for the 6x1594 MW integrated nuclear park proposed at Kovvada in Srikakulam district, about 80 km from here.
Allaying fears over resilience to withstand natural calamities like Cyclone Hudhud, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) Kovvada Nuclear Park Project Director G.V. Ramesh told The Hindu on Thursday that generation III plus reactors had technologically the best with inbuilt safety features.
Presently, negotiations are in progress to work out the modalities on supply of reactors by GE Hitachi. The agreement would be signed after completing all the formalities, he said.
“The reactors have the inbuilt ability to withstand severe cyclones, tsunami, floods or missile impact. It has features with a passive safety system and can withstand even a complete blackout. It has better features than Fukushima plant -- for smooth auto shutdown in eight days without any human intervention and power requirement,” Mr. Ramesh said.
To cost 1 lakh cr.The nuclear park, for which the Centre had already approved, will involve an estimated investment of Rs.1 lakh crore. At present, land acquisition for 2,000 acres, needing relocation of two villages, is under process according to the rehabilitation and resettlement package envisaged in the new Act. About 525 acres has been identified at Kotcharla and Mentada near the project site for rehabilitation of affected villagers and construction of a township.
‘No fault zone’A basic study conducted by National Geographic Research Institute had found that the project site is located in ‘no fault zone’ for seismic activity. In the basic study using satellite imageries, they had certified that it fell on no fault zone. NGRI has been asked to conduct detailed study, which is expected to be completed within six months.