Why in News?
India inaugurated its first private heavy water testing facility in Palghar, Maharashtra, by TEMA India under BARC technology transfer. This move aims to reduce commissioning time of nuclear reactors and support India’s expanding nuclear energy capacity.
Description:
- Purpose: Testing and upgrading depleted heavy water (D₂O) used in Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs)
- Developed by: TEMA India Ltd, Mumbai
- Collaboration: Under technology transfer from BARC and purchase order from NPCIL
- Location: Palghar district, near Mumbai (Maharashtra)
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Tech Provider | BARC (Chemical Engineering Group) |
| User Agency | NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd.) |
| Tested Components | Distillation columns, activated phosphor bronze modules |
| Significance | Reduces time for heavy water upgrade process by 1–2 years |
| Projects Benefitted | RAPP-8 (Rajasthan), GHAVP 1–4 (Haryana), Kaiga 5–6 (Karnataka) |
| State-of-the-art Testing | Enables private validation of nuclear-grade equipment |
| Indigenous Capability | First such private facility in nuclear domain in India |
About Heavy Water (D₂O):
| Aspect | Description |
| Composition | Water where hydrogen is replaced by deuterium |
| Use | Coolant and moderator in PHWRs |
| Purity | Must be 99.9% pure for efficient reactor use |
| Upgrade Need | Gets diluted over time and must be upgraded again |
| Method | Upgraded via distillation process |
Strategic Importance:
- Public–Private Partnership (PPP) in nuclear domain – first of its kind
- Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat in nuclear tech and component manufacturing
- Boosts India’s nuclear energy target of 22.4 GW by 2032, and 100 GW by 2047
- Strengthens export potential in nuclear technology and components
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