India's largest nuclear power project has cleared yet another hurdle toward full operation with a Supreme Court decision issued Monday.
Justices dismissed a petition to prevent operation of the Kudankulam nuclear plant near the southern tip of the country. The court said it had to balance the economic and scientific benefits of the plant with "minor radiological detriments," The Hindu reported. The justices also noted that the fast-growing country will have to double electricity production to keep up with increases in demand, and that nuclear power will eventually be less expensive than alternatives.
Atomstroyexport built both VVER-1000 reactors at the plant under a $3 billion contract, according to the World Nuclear Association. The long-delayed first unit underwent fuel loading last fall following widespread local protests that pushed back its commissioning. It is expected to start operation soon, with the second unit about eight months behind the first. The court ruling, while allowing the project to proceed, also noted that the reactors' operation is still contingent upon final approvals from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. and the Department of Atomic Energy. Looking past the reactors' completion, India and Russia have discussed building several more VVER units at the plant and elsewhere in the country.