OREANDA-NEWS. March 19, 2010. Russia has agreed with India about construction of up to 16 nuclear reactors, reported vice-premier of RF Sergey Ivanov to reporters. "Today some agreements were signed „on margins“, they provide construction of up to 16 reactors. Construction of the third and the fourth power units (at NPP „Kudankulam“) is also signed", — said Ivanov.
According to the vice-premier, in the framework of total amount of the appropriations for construction of nuclear reactors, 25% will be received by Indian equipment manufacturers, by this employment market will be supported, 25% of appropriations – by leading world equipment manufacturers, and 50% — "will be taken by the Russian party".

He clarified that construction of up to 16 nuclear power units is provided at three sites.

Ivanov added that this type of reactors in "Kudankulam" is, according to opinion of International Atomic Energy Agency, "the most advanced and the safest", such reactors can endure strike of medium-range aircraft "Tu-154".

Previously, head of state corporation "Rosatom" Sergey Kirienko reported that the “road map” of development of wide-ranging cooperation in the area of peaceful atom between India and Russia signed on Friday provides construction of 12 power units at already dedicated sites – six at NPP "Kudankulam" and new site in Kharipur. According to him, one more site may be dedicated.

Kirienko also told that according to the "road map", Russia and India will plan construction of new power units beforehand, then the Indian party will take these arrangements into account while making five years plans.

Among other things, the document provides possibility of construction subject to commercial expediency of plants on fuel fabrication in India, participation of India in projects of fuel fabrication in Russia.

One more line of joint activity may be geological prospecting of uranium deposits, including in the territories of third countries.

Gradual increase of production localization level of components for nuclear power plants is also provided taking into account that Russia can deliver more than 12 reactors to India. Kirienko supposes that establishment of joint ventures on production of such components may become profitable form of such cooperation.