It is anticipated that French President Emmanuel Macron will visit India early next year in the context of a renewed push for the construction of nuclear power reactors at Jaitapur in Maharashtra.
In a meeting with Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh, French Minister Chrysoula Zacharopoulou indicated that Macron would visit India in “early 2023”.
According to Singh, the technical, financial and civil nuclear liability issues surrounding the Jaitapur project will be resolved by both sides as soon as possible and well before Macron’s visit.
The Indian government has announced plans to build six nuclear power plants with a capacity of 1,650 MW each at Jaitapur in Ratnagiri, which will be the largest nuclear site in the country.
According to an official statement, Singh and Zacharopoulou discussed ways to accelerate the establishment of nuclear power reactors.
It was composed of the French ambassador to India, Emmanuel Lenain, as well as other officials, including Thomas Mieusset, the country’s nuclear counsellor.
The French company EDF has submitted a binding techno-commercial offer to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) for the construction of six European Pressurised Reactors (EPRs).
An EDF high-level delegation visited India in May of this year and held detailed discussions with NPCIL officials.
In their conversation, Singh and Zacharopoulou reaffirmed their commitment to the success of the strategic Jaitapur project, which is aimed at providing access to reliable, affordable, and low-carbon energy. They also agreed to resolve any pending issues as soon as possible.
As the owner and future operator of the plant, NPCIL will be responsible for the construction and commissioning of the units, as well as obtaining all necessary permits and consents in India, according to an official statement. Moreover, the Indian nuclear regulator certified the EPR technology.
