French nuclear engineering firm Areva has confirmed its desire to expand activities in India by submitting a bid to Indian utility NPCIL for the design and construction of two EPR reactors in Maharashtra state.
Areva’s proposed two EPR reactors would each have an output of 1600 MW and would be commissioned between 2017 and 2018. The company has signed agreements with a number of local companies to support its bid.
NPCIL could develop up to six nuclear reactors at its site in Jaitapur, Maharashtra, according to Areva. Industrial and economic development has made Maharashtra one of India’s most rapidly-developing states.
In order to move its proposal forward, Areva has submitted an early works agreement to NPCIL to launch initial design and book the manufacturing capacities needed for the major components. In addition, Areva has entered a strategic alliance with Bharat Forge and has finalised the terms of a framework agreement with the Indian engineering firm TCE Consulting Engineers.
Areva’s agreement with Bharat Forge lays down the main conditions of a joint venture that will build a forged parts manufacturing plant in India. The next steps will be to draft a legal agreement, determine the industrial tool and acquire a site.
