Nuclear Fuel Complex in Hyderabad, a constituent of the Department of Atomic Energy, has posted a record production of 1,503 tonnes of PHWR (Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor) fuel bundles in 2015-16.
The achievement, 251 tonnes more than the previous fiscal’s, is the highest ever and a new world record, Chairman and Chief Executive N. Saibaba said on Saturday. NFC became the world’s leading producer of nuclear fuel in 2014-15 when it clocked 1,252 tonnes.
The rated capacity of NFC is 850 tonnes and it is eyeing a production of 2,000 tonnes of the fuel bundles in the current fiscal, he said briefing presspersons.
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Enhanced production added to the stock pile, which stood at 2,000 tonnes now, that will help meet the requirements as more nuclear power plants take shape in India.
Share of nuclear power in the total power produced in the country, he said, will increase from about 3 per cent now to 6-7 per cent in six years.
From about 6 gigawatt at present, it would touch 15 GW in about 5-6 years. Subject to availability of funds, it could touch 40 GW by 2033. Declaring that NFC believed in Made in India and had the wherewithal to undertake challenging jobs, Dr. Saibaba said it has devised a material for ISRO’s proposed manned mission to moon. INCONEL 718, the nickel alloy, high temperature resistant material will be used in the module that would bring the astronaut back. Given the enormity of the yet to be finalised mission, the module will be a small component, he added.
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Besides fuel assemblies for nuclear power reactors, the Complex manufactures various Zirconium alloy reactor core structurals such as pressure tubes and reactivity mechanism assemblies for PHWRs, a release said. It makes different materials for strategic sectors, including those used in nuclear submarine, in the GSLV project and Brahmos missile, he added.
On the new NFC facility in Kota, Rajasthan, Dr. Saibaba said post the clearances, the ground levelling work had begun and was taking time. The project, originally envisaged for completion this year, will be delayed and to be ready by 2019. The facility is for producing 500 tonnes per annum entailing an investment of Rs.2,400 crore.