Bad choice: the risks, costs and viability of proposed U.S. nuclear reactors in India
Human Rights Forum released a study done by a US-based financial research organisation that warns India that General Electricals and Westinghouse nuclear reactors in Kovvada in Andhra Pradesh and Mithi Vridi in Gujarat are neither cost-effective nor power-efficient. The two reactors, according to the study, also have a huge amount of risk factor. The study titled ‘Bad Choices: The risks, costs and viability of US Nuclear reactors in India’ was done by David A. Schlissel, Director of Resource Planning Analysis, Boston. As per the study, it will cost between Rs. 4 lakh crore and Rs. 6.8 lakh crore to build the six GE-Hitachi reactors in Kovvada. All nuclear power projects take a long time to start functioning. Nuclear power plant is also not a renewable energy source as its power generation capacity will end within 40 to 50 years. The residual nuclear waste, if not disposed properly, could lead to serious environmental and human risk factors,. The study also claimed that, as per estimates, Kovvada reactor will not be built before 2032 even if all acquisition is completed and construction begins by 2016. In this case land acquisition has not even begun, the study pointed out. Also, indicating a risk factor, GE-Hitachi has categorically stated that it is unwilling to invest unless the Government of India indemnifies it against the financial consequences of disaster.