By IANS,
Washington : Eyeing India’s estimated $100 billion nuclear pie, a US-India trade group has hailed reservation of two sites for US commercial nuclear technology as a “significant step” toward implementing the US-India civil nuclear deal.
The Indian cabinet has reserved sites at Mithi Virdi in Gujarat and at Kovada in Andhra Pradesh to host the US reactor parks.
“We’re delighted to see the historic US-India nuclear accord move into implementation,” said Ted Jones, a official of the US-India Business Council (USIBC), the Washington-based trade group representing about 300 US companies doing businerss with India
“Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat are both excellent locations,” said Ron Somers, USIBC president. “They have people who appreciate the benefits of reliable electricity supplies, and abundant human talent to erect and maintain these state-of-the-art facilities.”
USIBC, in partnership with the Nuclear Energy Institute and the US Commercial Service of the US International Trade Administration, will lead an executive delegation of US commercial nuclear companies to India in early December.
“Our commercial nuclear companies are eager to play a role in India’s sustainable development,” added Jones, Director for Energy, Environment and Enterprise at USIBC.
“US companies bring not just zero-carbon nuclear power, but the most advanced and safest nuclear reactors and reactor components in the world.”
US firms have eagerly awaited the official designation of sites to US companies, necessary in order for project development to proceed. According to India’s plans, each reactor park will ultimately host between six and eight reactors.
“The new plants are not the only opportunity for US suppliers. More immediately, they will find opportunities in supplying fuel, components and services to India’s existing fleet of reactors,” said Jones.
“During the December trade mission, we will meet with Indian policymakers and public-sector executives to identify these opportunities and work to enable our full participation in the Indian market.”
A few important steps still remain to enable full participation by the private sector, USIBC said. These include India’s bringing into force the India-specific International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards agreement and India’s adoption of a nuclear liability law to allow private sector participation.