India, EDF discuss French EPR nuclear reactor deployment, hydro storage
India and France held discussions on Friday regarding the proposed deployment of European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) technology in India, alongside cooperation on nuclear supply chain localisation and pumped hydro storage projects, according to the Ministry of Power. Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal met with Bernard Fontana, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of French energy company EDF, in New Delhi to review the ongoing engagement on EPR reactor deployment in India.
The talks centred on multiple areas of cooperation including the deployment of EPR technology, India's regulatory reforms for the nuclear sector, and collaboration on pumped hydro storage initiatives. EDF briefed the Indian side on its efforts to build a domestic ecosystem and supply chain for nuclear projects in India. The French energy company emphasised that a sizeable programme with multiple nuclear reactors would give suppliers confidence and enable economies of scale by leveraging Indian industry's capabilities.
Agarwal also briefed the French delegation on India's progress in finalising its regulatory framework for nuclear power, including the Draft SHANTI - Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Technology in India. The discussions underscored the commitment to establishing a robust, mutually beneficial partnership between the two nations in the nuclear energy sector.
