BHEL Partners with EDF to Boost Local Content in Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant Project

29 Nov, 2023

BHEL Partners with EDF to Boost Local Content in Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant Project

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has solidified a strategic partnership by signing a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with Electricité de France S.A. (EDF), a renowned French state-owned nuclear operator. The primary focus of this collaboration is to explore avenues that would enhance local content in the ambitious Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant Project, a venture led by NPCIL in India.

According to the regulatory filing, BHEL and EDF have officially inked the MoC with the specific objective of maximizing the incorporation of local content in the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant Project in India. This project, situated in Maharashtra, is a light water reactor boasting an impressive 9.6-gigawatt capacity, with the lofty goal of supplying electricity to around 70 million households. Beyond the Jaitapur project, BHEL and EDF are gearing up to delve into more extensive collaborations, with a keen eye on European Pressurized Reactors (EPRs) and NUWARD SMR (Small Modular Reactor) initiatives.

The Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant Project holds significant promise for India's energy landscape, aiming to meet the power needs of a substantial portion of the population. The collaborative efforts between BHEL and EDF indicate a commitment to leveraging each other's expertise to optimize the local impact of this monumental project.

Despite these positive strides, BHEL recently reported a challenging financial performance in its second-quarter earnings. The company disclosed a net loss of Rs 238.1 crore, a notable contrast to the Rs 12.1 crore profit reported in the corresponding period last year. This financial downturn was accompanied by a 1.5% dip in revenue, with figures standing at Rs 5,125.3 crore, compared to Rs 5,202.6 crore in the same period the previous year.

The financial challenges notwithstanding, BHEL's collaboration with EDF represents a forward-looking approach, aligning with the broader national objectives of advancing nuclear capabilities and securing sustainable energy sources. The exploration of collaborative ventures in European Pressurized Reactors and Small Modular Reactors signals a proactive stance towards diversification and technological advancements in the nuclear power sector.

As BHEL navigates the complexities of the financial landscape, its strategic partnerships and collaborative ventures underscore its commitment to fostering innovation and contributing to India's energy security through transformative projects like the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant.