Yuri Lipatov, chairman of State Duma Energy Committee

– The delivery of Russian nuclear fuel to Kudankulam NPP shows that Russia is fully meeting its obligations

The delivery of Russian nuclear fuel to Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant shows that Russia is fully meeting its obligations under the contract for the supply of nuclear fuel for the plant. The deliveries are being carried in line with our international commitments and under the guarantees of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The fuel is being supplied in the form of fuel assemblies to be used throughout the life of the plant.

Unlike the other countries where Russia is building NPPs on a “turnkey” basis, in India Atomstroyexport is just supplying equipment, supervising the work and training personnel for the future plant. The rest of the work is being done by Indian construction and installation organizations, which are thereby acquiring necessary experience.

So, we can say that this project is different from the construction of Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant in China and the Indians are building the plant themselves. They have no experience of building a reactor of Russian design. So, the project may be delayed a bit.

But India is looking farther than this particular project. It is planning to develop its nuclear power industry and needs to learn to do everything on its own, to have necessary personnel and experience. This is very important for India and its plans to reduce its energy shortfalls and to build new NPPs.