On Friday, India and France discussed issues related to the deployment of European Pressurized Reactor (EPR) technology and the localization of the nuclear supply chain in a meeting in New Delhi. The discussions were supervised by the Ministry of Power and attended by officials from both countries, aiming to strengthen cooperation in nuclear energy and pumped storage projects.
Key Discussions on EPR Technology
Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary of the Ministry of Power, engaged in discussions with Bernard Fontana, CEO of the French energy company EDF, to review the existing progress on the deployment of EPR reactors in India. Topics such as India's legal reforms in the nuclear sector and collaboration on pumped storage projects were also addressed in this meeting.
The Ministry of Power stated: "Discussions focused on the deployment of EPR technology, India's legal reforms in the nuclear sector, and future collaborations to establish a strong and mutually beneficial partnership." The statement also noted EDF's efforts to create a domestic ecosystem and supply chain for nuclear projects in India.
Localization of the Nuclear Supply Chain
EDF provided the Indian side with information about its efforts to create an ecosystem and supply chain in India for large-scale localization. The Ministry of Power stated: "EDF informed the Indian side that a large program with multiple nuclear reactors could instill confidence in suppliers and leverage the capabilities of India's industry." This could contribute to economies of scale and reduce costs in nuclear projects.
Agarwal also reported to the French delegation on the finalization of India's legal framework for nuclear energy. This framework includes the "SHANTI laws and regulations" (Sustainable Use and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for the Transformation of India), which has been placed in the public domain for consultation with stakeholders.
The Ministry of Power emphasized: "These laws provide a streamlined and timed licensing framework and facilitate the participation of private and foreign partners in India's nuclear program."
Officials from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of External Affairs, Central Electricity Authority, NTPC Limited, and NPCIL represented the Indian side at this meeting, while EDF and the French Embassy in India represented the French side.
