Why in news?
TEMA India Ltd, a private firm, commissioned the country’s first private test facility for upgrading depleted heavy water, with support from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL).
What is it?
- Depleted heavy water is used as a moderator in pressurised heavy water nuclear reactors. The facility tests distillation columns and activated phosphor‑bronze modules used in the upgradation process, ensuring they meet quality standards.
- Located in Mumbai, the facility is the first of its kind in India outside the public sector. It resulted from BARC’s technology transfer and a purchase order from NPCIL.
Key features
- The facility enables in‑house testing and validation of critical components that were previously tested only in BARC facilities. This will support ongoing projects such as Rajasthan Atomic Power Plant 8 and the Kaiga 5–6 reactors.
- It embodies a public–private partnership model, encouraging the private sector to contribute to India’s nuclear energy programme.
Significance
- The facility enhances India’s energy security by building domestic capability in nuclear technology and reducing dependence on foreign testing centres.
- It also strengthens India’s export potential in nuclear equipment and supports the expansion of nuclear power as part of the country’s clean‑energy strategy.