BHEL in talks to source tech for manufacturing higher rating nuclear plants

State-run Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) is in talks with Areva, Alstom, Toshiba, General Electric and Siemens to source technology for manufacturing higher rating nuclear sets of 1,000 mw and above.

The company wants to expand to higher sized units and is in talks with various vendors for technology tie-ups for nuclear as well as conventional islands. Nuclear power plants consist of two main components - nuclear island, including the reactor; and conventional island with turbines and generators. While, nuclear island generates steam using nuclear technology, conventional islands use the steam to produce electricity through turbines and generators.

BHEL has a tripartite agreement with Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) and Alstom to manufacture turbines and carry out engineering, procurement and construction activities for nuclear plants of 700-mw and above in India. As per the agreement, NPCIL will place all orders related to 700-mw unit size on the tripartite joint venture.

Recently, the Bharat Heavy Electricals-Alstom consortium bagged Rs 1,600-crore order from Nuclear Power Corp for supplying steam turbine generators for two 700 mw nuclear units in Kakrapar, Gujarat.