Centre in talks with US firm to set up Kovvada nuclear power plant in Srikakulam
The minister said after negotiations with Westinghouse, the project proposals will be finalized, such as the cost of setting up the Kovvada nuclear power plant and the time it will take to construct it.Ā
By Newsmeter Network Published on 3 Feb 2023 2:06 PM GMT
Srikakulam: Union minister of state (independent charge) for science and technology, atomic energy, and space Dr. Jitendra Singh said discussions are on with US-based Westinghouse Electric Company (WEC) to set up six nuclear reactors at Kovvada in Srikakulam district. The minister was replying to a question regarding the delay in completion of the nuclear power plant posed by YSRCP MP V. Vijayasai Reddy in the Rajya Sabha.
The minister said after negotiations with Westinghouse, the project proposals will be finalized, such as the cost of setting up the Kovvada nuclear power plant and the time it will take to construct it. At present, pre-construction activities for the project, including land acquisition, obtaining statutory clearances, and site investigations, are underway, he added.
Land acquisition
A total of 2,079 acres is required for the Kovvada nuclear power project, of which 2,061 acres have been acquired. In his reply, the minister said the transfer of the land in the name of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has also been completed.
Employment
Regarding employment, the minister said during the peak construction time, around 8,000 persons is likely to be employed at Kovvada Nuclear Power Project which follows a bell curve. Once operational, each of the twin unit stations are estimated to employ (both direct and indirect) about 2,000 persons. Also, there is potential for employment of contractors or vendors from business opportunities that emerge consequent to the increase in economic activities at the site, the minister said.
It may be recalled that the Kovvada Nuclear Power Plant was proposed around a decade ago to generate 6,600 MW by NPCIL, which was strongly opposed by the Opposition parties and some organisations and fishermen. The Westinghouse Company has assured to supply nuclear power reactors to India.
