Nuclear technology in developing countries

Three decades ago India started the nuclear power programme. A decision was taken to pursue a programme of indigenous development of nuclear power technology. The first nuclear power station was set up in 1969 at Tarapur. A proven reactor system was imported for this plant in order to gain time as well as experience in operation and maintenance of nuclear power stations. The pressurised heavy water reactor system was chosen for the subsequent nuclear power stations for efficient utilization of natural uranium resources in the country. This choice has helped in the pursuit of the ultimate indigenous capability. At present the installed nuclear power capacity is 1230 MWe and it is planned to reach an installed nuclear power capacity of 10,000 MWe by the end of this century. It will be about 10% of the total power generated in the country. In the past three decades India has developed capability for the design, manufacture, construction, commissioning and operation of the nuclear power reactors. (orig.)