Realizing vision of Dr. Homi Bhabha - first stage of nuclear power programme

Full text: Dr. Homi Bhabha had a vision to harness nuclear energy for peaceful uses of mankind. Considering typical nuclear resources in the country, Dr Bhabha conceptualized the three stage nuclear power programme and gave a road map for its implementation. The robustness of the vision is such that the programme has not undergone a change in last five decades. The first stage of the three-stage programme, based on natural uranium fuelled Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) has been precursor to the nuclear power programme in India. This paper describes the developments in the last five decades. The establishment of research laboratories and reactors, training school for the manpower needs, industrial infrastructure and establishment of regulatory framework are briefly described. Setting up of first nuclear power reactor in the country as turnkey project and experience on operation of these reactors in India are discussed. The learning phase consisting of setting up of first PHWR in technical collaboration with Canada and design of 220 MWe PHWRs for MAPS is described. The safety features consistent with development of nuclear power globally were incorporated in Narora design and this became a standardized 220 MWe reactor of which many PHWRs of 220 MWe were set up. The experiences with operation of these small size reactors leading to internationally best operational experience in the year 2002 are discussed. The efforts of plant life extension, in-core maintenance jobs and other renovation and modernization jobs are discussed. The increase in unit size of 540 MWe, of which two reactors have been already set up, is explained in detail. The economies of scale demanded increase in the unit size and design of 700 MWe PHWR has been established and the salient features of this design are also discussed in detail. Eight reactors of 700 MWe each would complete the first stage of about 10,000 MWe PHWR programme and plans for setting up of these reactors are discussed in detail. With the establishment of a capacity of 10,000 MWe PHWR, first stage programme will be completed and commercial deployment of the second stage would commence. More reactors of 700 MWe are subject to establishment of fuel linkages. Setting up of these reactors of the first stage of the programme and experience with the operation of these reactors has brought India to a situation wherein nuclear power reactors, goods and services can be supplied to other countries