channels replaced.

The first cycle of peer-reviews of all the operating stations by WANO has been completed. RAPP-5 unit has also undergone a pre-startup peer review by an expert team of WANO. This was the second review of its kind in India; after TAPP-3 which was reviewed last year. The next Biennial General Meeting (BGM) of WANO will be hosted by India, in 2010 at New Delhi .

Construction activities are underway in full swing at six other reactors — three PHWRs, two LWRs and a 500 MWe PFBR. Of these, two reactors (RAPP-5 and Kaiga-4) would see start of fuel loading during the year. On completion of the reactors currently under construction, there will be 23 reactors in operation with installed capacity of 7280 MWe. The detailed design and engineering of the indigenous 700 MWe PHWR is progressing according to the set time schedule. The government has given, in-principle, approval for setting-up of 4x700 MWe PHWRs at two sites and 4x1000 MWe LWRs at another two sites in the country. Establishment of a new uranium mine and mill at Tummelepalle has also been approved by the government.

For accelerating the growth of the fast reactors in the country, development of metallic fuel, which would offer high breeding capabilities is being carried out on priority with the aim of its deployment around the year 2020. The next four fast reactors after the PFBR, which are proposed to be commissioned by 2020 will however, continue to use oxide fuel. These future reactors will incorporate refinements in the design and construction, to achieve reduction in capital as well as operational costs, on the basis of experience with the PFBR. The objective is to bring down the unit energy cost substantially as compared to PFBR. Enhancement of the burn-up of fuel from the present target of 100 GWd/t to 200 GWd/t is recognised as an important step for reduction in the fuel cycle cost. Towards achieving this target, the development of advanced cladding and structural materials including the oxide dispersion strengthened alloy have been initiated. The expertise generated and the experience gained in this development process will be further harnessed for developing structural materials for the Test Blanket Module being developed by the Institute of Plasma Research as part of the fusion energy programme.

... contd.