Nuclear Fuel Complex, Hyderabad, on Monday announced that it has successfully completed manufacture of UNS No 8800 U tubes useful for steam generators in nuclear power plants.
These steam generators are being manufactured by Larsen & Toubro.
“This development reflects successful indigenisation and India's deepening manufacturing capability in this strategic sector. With this, NFC joins select companies approved to supply these tubes. Only three other companies manufacture such tubes globally,” Mr R.N. Jayaraj, Chief Executive, NFC, said.
These tubes will be integrated into eight steam generators manufactured by L&T for Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd to be deployed at Kakrapara and Rajasthan nuclear power plants.
Global standards
The manufacture and supply of these critical tubes reflects the collaborative project of NFC and L&T since 2009. In line with L&T's strategy of promoting self-reliance, the company had opted to source the tubes from NFC rather than import from international suppliers, M. M.V. Kotwal, Vice-President, L&T, said.
NFC and L&T had entered into a strategic arrangement to manufacture and supply these steam generator tubes. The complete supply chain for the tubes has been established. These two have deployed advanced manufacturing and handling systems to meet global standards.
L&T's investment
L&T has invested close to Rs 1,700 crore for a manufacturing and forging capability for nuclear power plants and its sub-assemblies in partnership with NPCIL. This venture has been set up with L&T holding 74 per cent equity and 26 per cent is with NPCIL.
Mr Kotwal said, “We do not have to be held ransom by suppliers located in the US and Europe. We can make them in India itself.”
This integrated facility, which includes forging capability, can now handle 300 tonnes of ingots and can be scaled up to 600 tonnes of ingots.
“We have begun production of several sub-assemblies and taken up exports to a company in the US. Several other global players are interested in our products for nuclear plants,” Mr Kotwal said.