Engineering and construction major Larsen & Toubro Ltd is all set to start supply of nuclear components and sub-assemblies to companies in the US and Europe.
L&T expects to play a larger role in nuclear power generation as a supplier and contractor.
It has bagged orders worth $40 million which include shielded canisters, made by using special steel, used for storage of radioactive waste from nuclear power plants.
“This brings about a big difference to the overall nuclear roadmap of the country. Once being totally dependent on others for supply of parts for nuclear power plants, we are in a position to make them for supplies within the country and lately for exports,” Mr M.V. Kotwal, President, Heavy Engineering of L&T, said.
Speaking at the Nuclear Fuel Complex here on Monday, the L&T official said that the manufacturing base established at Hazira in Gujarat, with an outlay of about Rs 1,700 crore in a joint venture with the Government-owned Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd, has immense capabilities to supply parts for nuclear power plants.
This venture is capable of building special steels and ultra heavy forgings of up to 600 tonnes.
“With a large forging capability of up to 600 tonnes using special steels and ultra heavy forgings, we are in a position to play a critical role in supply of equipment for nuclear power plants. In fact, couple of companies based in Europe are keen to partner L&T,” he said.
Over the years, L&T has been focussing on self reliance for equipment required for nuclear power plants. It has also obtained most of the international safety approvals.
The special quality tubes are indigenously manufactured at NFC, which are useful for steam generators in nuclear reactors. “These form the most important element for heat exchange and we do not have to be dependent on other suppliers,” he said.