Indian engineering and construction company Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has announced it will begin supplying nuclear components and sub-assemblies to companies in the US and Europe. L&T is now in the process of delivering $40 million worth of equipment used in nuclear reactors to the US, according to M.V. Kotwal, company president of heavy engineering.
Speaking at the Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) on Monday, Kotwal said that the manufacturing base at Hazira in Gujarat – established in a joint venture with the Government-owned Nuclear Power Corporation of India – has immense capabilities to supply parts for nuclear power plants. This venture is capable of building special steels and ultra heavy forgings of up to 600 tons.
“This brings about a big difference to the overall nuclear roadmap of the country," he said. "Once being totally dependent on others for supply of parts for nuclear power plants, we are in a position to make them for supplies within the country and lately for exports."
The current order to the U.S. includes special quality alloy tubes manufactured at the NFC. NFC is only the fourth company in the world to produce these alloy tubes (U tubes), which have stringent technical requirements, according to company officials.
“These form the most important element for heat exchange and we do not have to be dependent on other suppliers,” Kotwal said.
Over the years, L&T has focused on self reliance for equipment required for nuclear power plants. It has also obtained most of the international safety approvals.