As the US stepped up efforts to reach out to those opposing the nuclear deal, Atomic Energy Commission chairman Anil Kakodkar today said that if the deal does not go through, India will have to slash at least 6,000 MW from its projected 20,000 MW target for 2020 in the absence of international civilian nuclear cooperation.

Speaking at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) after addressing the founder’s day celebrations to commemorate the 98th birth anniversary of Homi Bhabha, Kakodkar said the components of the nuclear power target of over 20,000 MW by 2020, which was chalked out in the mid-1990s, consisted of 10,000 MW from pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWR), 2,500 MW from fast breeder reactors (FBR) and 8,000 MW from light water reactors (LWR).

While the target of 10,000 MW from PHWRs was achievable, more power could be generated if uranium was made available. The target of 2,500 MW from FBRs was also attainable. However, for generating 8,000 MW from LWRs, work had begun on a 2,000 MW plant at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu.

Kakodkar said that the additional 6,000 MW from LWRs had been envisaged, even at that time, on the basis of a planned civilian nuclear deal. “If the deal opens up, this will be realised, and maybe even more power will be generated. Otherwise, a 6,000 MW shortfall will be created,” he said. Kakodkar said they would accelerate exploration and mining activities for uranium. Replying to questions, Kakodkar said though they could explore outside the country, it was a part of “international politics.” Hence, it was necessary to set international politics right. “So, it is important to open up to cooperation,” he said, pointing out that the government was pursuing both tracks — that of the domestic nuclear programme and an international nuclear deal.

... contd.