In 2015, Areva signed a contract for pre-engineering studies with NPCIL. The 10,000MW Jaitapur project is currently under preliminary technical studies stage.
EDF will now take over the long-delayed Jaitapur project from Areva by acquiring the reactor arm of the latter, scheduled later in 2016.
In the next few months, EDF plans to advance the work initiated by Areva and NPCIL to secure certification from the Indian safety authorities for the reactors.
The firm also intends to finalize the project’s economic and financial conditions and the technical specifications.
Reuters cited French President Francois Hollande as saying during his visit to India that the deal to build the nuclear reactors should be signed within a year.
Hollande and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a joint statement that the construction of the nuclear project would begin in early 2017.
In an effort to develop low-carbon energy in India, EDF also agreed to acquire a 50% stake in SITAC Wind Management and Development.
The firms plan to build four wind farms, with combined capacity of 142MW, by the end of 2016 in the Indian state of Gujarat.
EDF has set a target to complete around 220MW of wind projects in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
EDF CEO Jean-Bernard Lévy said: "With CAP 2030, EDF’s strategic plan, the Group speeds up its development in low-carbon energies.
"I am also delighted with the prospect of EDF being able to establish a sustainable partnership with India, a country boasting exceptional economic vibrancy and dynamism, and one that, with its ambitious targets for tackling climate change, is clearly committed to the energy transition."
Image: EDF plans to develop low-carbon energy in India. Photo: courtesy of xedos4/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
