Govt: Uranium shortage has hit N-power plants (India) [View All]

[jpak]

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Govt_Uranium_shortage_has_hit_N-power_plants/articleshow/3008504.cms

NEW DELHI: The government has finally admitted that Indiaâ's nuclear power plants are operating below capacity, and with declining profits.

Answering a question in Parliament last week, the government said, "Currently, there is a mismatch in the demand and supply of indigenous uranium. As a result, this capacity is being operated at lower power level, matching fuel supply."

This, the government said, had led to declining profits for Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL). NPCIL profits have declined from Rs 1,717 crore in 2005-06 to Rs 964 crore in 2007-08. The capacity utilization of the power plants too have reduced significantly from their previous 63% and in many cases are at 40% or less.

The uranium shortage is also a real problem and with the nuclear deal increasingly facing a bleak future, India’s uranium options are severely restricted.

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