Pune cos in multiple nuclear deals

Pune-based engineering companies, Thermax, Bharat Forge and Kirloskar Brothers, are signing multiple deals for supplying equipment to the nuclear power sector.

“The waiver from Nuclear Suppliers Group and co-operation agreement with countries such as the US and France will open many business avenues for Indian companies which are actively involved in the country’s nuclear power programme,” Ravindra Ulangwar, associate vice-president, power sector, KBL, said.

For the past one-and-a-half years, KBL is woking with Nuclear Power Corporation of India and other agencies for supply of pumps and pumping systems to various nuclear projects.

To achieve the specialised requirement, KBL has invested in building various specialised facilities such as special/vertical heat treatment furnace for shaft and special purpose machines at its Kirloskarvadi factory.

Thermax, too, is making an aggressive foray into the sector.
“Except for the nuclear reactor, every equipment is akin to what we engineer, manufacture and construct for the conventional thermal plants. It is but natural for Thermax to be in the nuclear power arena.” M S Unnikrishnan, managing director, Thermax, said.

An exclusive group has been formed at Thermax to plan for emerging business opportunities in the area.

“As it is important to be pre-qualified for nuclear projects, we have initiated steps for being there,” he said.

 “There are a couple of upcoming projects for which equipment sourcing is likely to happen by 2010-11,” he said.

A major chunk of Bharat Forge’s recently announced investment of Rs 1,500 crore in non-automotive business would go towards nuclear power plants.

“We want to be part of India’s nuclear power programme for which we are making investments in manufacturing 500 tonne forgings required for nuclear reactors,” Baba Kalyani, chairman and managing director, Bharat Forge, told DNA.

These firms are exploring the international market, too.

“Thermax has a business association with Babcock and Wilcox, which has a good presence in the nuclear area. Our partnership with SPX Corporation can give us access to some of the balance-of-plant systems needed for nuclear projects. We are in discussions with some other companies which have specialty products in this area,” Unnikrishnan said.

Similarly, KBL has submitted proposals for pumps and pumping systems for projects in the US and Europe.