Second Indian fuel cycle complex gets operating licence

The Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) is an industrial unit of India's Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) which manufactures fuel for India's pressurised heavy water reactors in its safeguarded facilities at Hyderabad. According to World Nuclear Association information, the Hyderabad facilities produce 1500 tonnes of pressurised heavy water reactor (PHWR) fuel per year, as well as about 25 tonnes of fuel per year for India's two small boiling water reactors at Tarapur.

NFC-Kota is a second PHWR fuel plant which is being set up to meet the needs of India's planned fleet of indigenously designed 700 MWe PHWRs, three of which - Rajasthan Atomic Power Project unit 7 and Kakrapar units 3 and 4 - are already in operation.

The Kota facility handles only natural uranium and is categorised as a low-hazard facility, according to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

NFC-Kota submitted its application for an operating licence for the facility to the AERB on 17 March after the completion of hot commissioning activities, proposing the production of 500 tonnes per year of finished UO2 (uranium dioxide) fuel bundles for use in 700 MWe PHWRs.

"AERB conducted safety review and assessment of NFC-Kota's application for Licence for operation following its established consenting process to check completeness of the data/information required and compliance to the corresponding operating license requirements specified in applicable regulatory safety documents … the proposed activity of Operation can be carried out in compliance [with] this licence without undue risk to workers, the public and the environment," the regulator said.

The Department of Atomic Energy said operational clearance for NFC-Kota was a milestone which "marks a decisive step in strengthening the nation’s nuclear fuel cycle", meaning NFC is now "fully geared" to supply nuclear fuel for Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd's 700 MWe indigenous PHWRs. "NFC has been consistently delivering nuclear fuel and core structural components for all operating PHWRs since inception. Aligned with India’s Nuclear Energy Mission, NFC-Kota stands as a testament to indigenous capability, resilience, and the nation’s commitment to reliable, clean, and self-reliant energy for a ViksitBharat," it said.

Viksit Bharat is the strategy launched by the government in 2023 to make India a developed nation by 2047.

The operating licence is valid until 30 April 2031.