GEH and L&T sign nuclear agreement for India

GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) have signed an agreement on the future construction of nuclear reactors in India. According to GEH, India plans to increase its nuclear power generation capacity form the current 4.1 GW to 60 GW by 2030.

The agreement establishes L&T as a key partner for the construction of GEH's Advanced Boiling Water Reactor (ABWR) in India. GEH and L&T say the 1.35 GW ABWR reactors are the world's only commercially proven ‘Generation III' nuclear plants. Such plants are more efficient, safer and cheaper to build and maintain than the ‘Generation II' plants that were designed in the 1970s.

L&T, which has experience of constructing older style pressurised heavy water reactors in India, says it hopes to use an indigenous supply chain to manufacture components for the ABWRs as well as construct them. However, GEH will still supply components and equipment to any reactors that are built in India, as well as providing engineering and advisory services.

Jack Fuller, president and CEO of GEH said, "We are pleased to sign this agreement with a company of L&T's expertise and stature as we align our global nuclear supply chain with experienced local companies to assure that ABWR projects will be delivered on time to help India meet its important energy goals."