Indian Companies Secure Major Nuclear Contract for Kudankulam Reactors
A consortium of two Indian companies has clinched a significant contract for the Kudankulam nuclear power project. The public sector Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) and Mumbai-based TEMA India will handle the control and instrumentation systems for units 5 and 6. This contract is valued at nearly Rs 1,600 crore.
Project Details and Timeline
The companies have 42 months to complete the installation and setup of these critical systems. Control and instrumentation packages include all necessary equipment, sensors, logic software, and other components. These systems monitor plant operations, support decision-making processes, and ensure safe and efficient functioning of the nuclear reactors.
This contract represents a substantial advancement in India's nuclear indigenisation efforts. For the first time, Indian companies will manage end-to-end responsibility for control systems at foreign-designed reactors.
Historical Context and Significance
The Kudankulam nuclear complex features Russian-designed 1,000 MW VVER reactors. Units 1 and 2 have been operational for over a decade, while units 3 through 6 remain under construction. Previously, control systems for the first two units were tied to the overall reactor supply framework.
With units 3 and 4, India began indigenising these systems. BGR Systems provided many specified equipment and sub-systems under Russian architectural guidance. Now, for units 5 and 6, ECIL and TEMA will handle everything from engineering and integration to testing and execution.
Company Backgrounds and Expertise
ECIL operates under the Department of Atomic Energy and was established primarily for control and instrumentation work at indigenous Indian reactors. The company currently manages systems at all Indian-made Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors.
TEMA India brings private sector expertise to the consortium. The engineering and manufacturing company has been expanding its nuclear sector presence rapidly. Recently, TEMA received responsibility for testing equipment needed for upgrading depleted heavy water at PHWRs, a task previously handled by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.
Industry Implications and Future Outlook
This development aligns with India's policy to increase domestic participation in the nuclear sector. Recent changes to nuclear energy laws enable greater private sector involvement, including partnerships with foreign entities for establishing and operating nuclear power plants.
Narendra Rao, TEMA's chief operating officer, emphasized the significance of this contract. He stated that it demonstrates TEMA's excellent track record in nuclear projects and confirms that private companies can deliver quality work with high safety standards.
The collaboration between ECIL and TEMA promises to enhance capacity building across Indian firms. As the nuclear industry prepares for significant expansion, such partnerships will strengthen domestic capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign technology.
This contract marks a milestone in India's nuclear journey, showcasing growing technical expertise and self-reliance in critical infrastructure projects.
