VISAKHAPATNAM, FEB 4:  
The 10,000-MW nuclear power plant, being established by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd at Kovvada village in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, may be ready in seven years, according to Additional Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, CBS Venkata Ramana.
He was delivering a lecture in Gitam University on Wednesday on nuclear power and its importance to India. He said the country’s nuclear power programme was on track.
Venkata Ramana also said that about 50 MW of power would be given to AP from the Kudankulam plant from its first phase. He pointed out that renewable energy was good, "but the sources are not dependable, when compared to non-renewable forms such as thermal or nuclear''.
Venkata Ramana gave an assurance that the country had mastered the nuclear technology and adequate safeguard measures were in place.
Referring to spent fuel storage and reuse technology, he said the technology was on a par with that of the developed nations.
sarma.rs@thehindu.co.in
(This article was published on February 4, 2015)