Nalco-NPCIL N-power plant proposed near Berhampur city in Ganjam

As part of its proposed diversification activities, National Aluminium Company Ltd (Nalco) has decided to enter into an (MoU) with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) to produce nuclear power. Signing of a nuclear deal with USA by India has ended isolation of the country from sources of nuclear fuel and paved the way for large-scale generation of nuclear power in the country. The Government of India has reportedly decided to produce nuclear power with the support of Central PSUs. Accordingly, the NPCIL, which is eyeing setting up of a nuclear power plant in Odisha, has roped in Nalco, the first Navratna company in the State, revealed sources. An MoU would be signed soon between NPCIL and Nalco for a joint venture (JV), official sources said. The JV company would set up a 1,000-megawatt nuclear power plant with an investment of Rs 8,500 crore. A site has been identified near Berhampur city in Ganjam district for the plant, said an official in the Department of Energy.The JV would be run with a professionally-managed team. A steering committee has been formed to scale up the move and the panel is likely to induct more members, said the sources. Meanwhile, Nalco has been accorded the prestigious Premier Trading House status in accordance with the provision of the Exim Policy by the Government of India. Premier Trading House (PTH) status is the highest award to any Export House.As per the Foreign Trade Policy, an Export House should have exported goods worth Rs 7,500 crore or more during the current year plus previous three years for getting the PTH status. Nalco has achieved an export target of Rs 7,609 crore during the current year up to July 31, 2009 and the previous three years.

Source : The Pioneer