DPR OF 300 MW AHWR READY

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The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre has readied the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of a 300 MW Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) for its thorium utilisation programme. The reactor will be the first of its kind in the world, when developed. A detailed peer review of the design has been undertaken by expert groups.

The AHWRs will generate atomic power with thorium as fuel. Considering the features built in the design and rich thorium reserves in India, the cost of nuclear power generation is expected to become highly competitive in the long run. Already the cost of Atomic power is considerably less compared to electricity generation from thermal and hydel sources.

This will also be the first 300 MW reactor in the country with others being 220 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR). The civil works of Critical Facility for conducting reactor physics experiment for the AHWR have been progressing as per schedule and fabrication of critical equipment for the project has reached the advanced stage.

To separate U-233 from irradiated thorium fuel on a plant scale, a reprocessing facility has already become operational at Trombay. This forms a vital link in the thorium fuel cycle programme.