nuclear power and EPR ( European pressurized reactor )

Nuclear power and European pressurized reactor( EPR) 

 The total out lay power sector (nuclear ) for 2011-2012 is 5581 crore. The plant out lay consists of Rs 1609. Crore  by way of budgetary support and 3972 crore  by way of IEBR ( Internal and extra budgetary resources) . The budgetary support includes for investment in equity for Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited ( BHAVINI) and Rs 24  crore for externally aided  projects at Kundankulam being executed by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited(NPCIL ) with assistance of Russian federation. Projects of Bhabha Atomic  Research Center and that  of Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research to provide R&D support for power program is also included .

India’s NPCIL signed an agreement for construction of 2 EPR’ s with Areva France each 1650 Mwe each for setting up in Jaithapur in Maharashtra. Let us evolute the principal benefits of this reactor.

EPR reactor

Safety and operational performance are key strengths of the EPR ( European pressurized Reactor ) . This pressurized water model is also the first  generation 111+ reactor to be deployed on international scale, being built in three different countries .

The EPR reactor has an electrical production capacity of more than 1650 Mwe  which places it among the most powerful reactor in the world. A direct descendant of previous models manufactured by AREVA, EPR  Pressurized water reactor is based on tried and tested technologies and principles. It is classified as generation 111+ reactor  due to the level of safety obtained and economic savings that it achieves in  relation to the  earlier models.

From a safety point of view the EPR reactor ensures an unequaled safety level thanks drastic reduction of probability of severe accidents as well as their consequences on the environment. In addition it is particularly resistant to external accidents( airplane crash). Economically , it achieves an unrivaled level of competitiveness because electricity production cost are reduced by 10 % compared with current plants. It also produces less waste.

It currently under construction in Finland( Olkiluoto) in France ( Flamanville)  and in  China ( 2 units Taishan) and is currently under going certification in U.S. and U.K.

Safety , competitiveness, flexibility

Unrivaled level of safety : resistance to plan crashes and seismic vibrations, quadruple safety devise redundancy, core melt down risk further reduced and minimization of consequences from such an accident thanks to proven of special compartment isolating molten core.

Active and passive safety systems

Designed as an extension of KONVOI (Siemens) and N4 ( AREVA) reactors , the EPR reactor combines active and passive safety systems to increase  safety and provide better process control over plant operation.

Competitiveness

High power :  the power out put of “EPR”  reactor originates from the size of its larger core, which is capable of holding more fuel, and its advanced nuclear steam supply system comprising 4 primary loops.

Reduced operating costs






Reduction in fuel consumption and easier system maintenance.


Maximized electrical production through reliable components, proven technologies and maintenance during operation, permitting shorter unit outages.
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Environmental protection

. Reduction in fuel consumption per Kwh  and  production of long life waste  products (-15%) through improved thermal efficiency and uranium utilization.

 An unrivaled experience on large projects

Areva is only manufacture to benefit from  40 years of continuous experience in the design and construction of nuclear power projects,  there are  three programs for construction of “ EPR”  plants under way, enabling Areva gather unrivaled experience almost all primary circuit components are designed and manufactured by Areva.

Innovation for performance

Two innovations contribute to the “ EPR “  reactors high thermal efficiency .

. Steam generators with an axial economizer provide increased steam pressure and notably increase the reactor thermal efficiency . These components were developed and tested in the  N4 type reactors.

. A neutron reflector surrounding the core reduces fuel consumption by limiting the neutron leakage. It increases the life span of reactor pressure vessel by limiting its irradiation and its embitterment.

Flexibility

Load follows ;  Between 60 and 100% nominal out put, the EPR  reactor can adjust its power out put at a rate of 5% nominal power per minute at constant temperature preserving the service life of components and plants.

. A varied choice of fuels : An EPR power plant can operate with uranium enriched 5% , reprocessed uranium or MOX fuel( in variable proportions according to customer needs and up to 100 % .

. Irradiation cycle  : fuel cycle length possibly between 12 to 24 months for better management of power plant.

With above technical design advantages of EPR reactor selected by NPCIL ( nuclear power corporation of  India)  has taken wise  decision for building it  in Jaithapur in Maharashtra for  nuclear power development
in India. Anti nuclear organizers in Maharashtra should stop agitations and support the project to go ahead without  any obstructions for quick implementation of this plant for surrounding areas overall development..