EDF, a French based energy firm has made a binding offer to build six third-generation EPR nuclear reactors at Jaitapur in Maharashtra.
EDF says it took a key step in contributing towards building the “world’s most powerful” nuclear plant in India.
On April 22 2021, EDF submitted to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL), the offer to supply engineering studies and equipment for the construction of six, third-generation EPR reactors at the Jaitapur in Maharashtra.
The project once completed will produce 10 gigawatts (GW) of electricity enough to power 70 million Indian households. The project will take 15 years to complete but will start producing electricity before that.
EDF will only provide nuclear reactors in a deal that includes US partner GE Steam Power. According to a AFP report, the contract is estimated to be worth “tens of billions of dollars although no official details has been released”.
“As a leader in low-carbon energy solutions and the world’s largest nuclear operator, we are proud to support India in this major project, which illustrates the Indian government’s determination to achieve 40% CO2-free energy in its mix by 2030, and which resonates perfectly with the Group’s company purpose,” said Jean-Bernard Lévy, Chairman and CEO of the EDF Group in a press release.
EDF is neither an investor in the project nor in charge of the construction. NPCIL is responsible for the construction and the commissioning of each of the six units of the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant, as well as for obtaining all necessary permits and consents in India, it added.
