Latest news with #Russian-designed
India Gazette
27-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
India clears way for own fifth-generation fighter jet
New Delhi has granted approval for developing a stealth aircraft as it pivots toward reducing dependence on defense imports Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the "execution model" for developing an Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) with an investment of $175 million. The Aeronautical Development Agency will spearhead the program through industry partnerships, according to a government statement on Tuesday. AMCA is the South Asian country's ambitious project to develop a multi-role combat aircraft with stealth capabilities for the Indian Air Force and Navy. In the development of the project, equal opportunities are being offered to both private and public sectors on a competitive basis, according to the Defense Ministry. Participants can bid independently, as joint ventures, or as part of a consortium. This marks a significant departure from the traditional practice of awarding advanced military R&D projects exclusively to state-owned agencies. The AMCA is a single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather, multi-role stealth fighter designed to perform a wide array of missions, including achieving air superiority, carrying out ground strikes, suppressing enemy air defenses, and waging electronic warfare. The fighter jet program received in-principle clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, last year. Modi has made indigenous arms production one of his administration's core goals. India's state-backed Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) plans to roll out the first prototype of the AMCA by 2027. The prototypes will then undergo developmental and weapon trials, with mass production expected to start by 2035. The Indian Air Force intends to buy at least 125 AMCAs in two different configurations, officials stated earlier. The announcement comes against the backdrop of a military stand-off between India and Pakistan earlier this month, which tested the Indian military's combat aircraft capabilities. New Delhi used both foreign weapons, including warplanes and other systems of Russian and French origin, as well as domestically developed ones, against Pakistan. India's Air Force has long relied on Russian-designed warplanes, including the Su-30MKI and MiG-29 fighter jets. India has manufactured the Su-30MKI since 2004 under a Russian license. State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has manufactured over 220 of these aircraft, which are considered the backbone of the Indian Air Force's fighter fleet. READ MORE: India eyes fifth generation fighters: Can Russia's Su-57 make the cut? Earlier this year, Russia also showcased its Sukhoi Su-57 Felon stealth fighter, which made its debut at India's largest defense show, Aero India. The US displayed its F-35 at the same event. Russian arms exporter Rosoboronexport suggested that, given the existing collaboration between Moscow and New Delhi, India could quickly upgrade its current production lines of Russian-designed fighter jets to assemble fifth-generation warplanes. Rosoboronexport previously stated that it had offered India the option of manufacturing export versions of the Su-57 domestically, if India agreed to import the jet. Experts, however, believe that India is more likely to pursue development of a fifth-generation fighter indigenously.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Rosatom in active discussions for new nuclear power plant sites in India; plans to focus on radiation tech, radiopharma: Kirill Komarov, First Dy DG, Rosatom
Mumbai: In an exclusive interview with ETEnergyWorld , Kirill Komarov , First Deputy Director General – Director for Development and International Business of Rosatom, revealed that the company is currently engaged in active discussions around Russian-designed nuclear power projects and is looking forward to an official announcement from Indian authorities. The Russian state-owned nuclear giant has been a key partner in India's nuclear energy sector, notably through its flagship project at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant . Edited excerpts: How does Rosatom plan to support India in balancing nuclear and renewable energy in its energy mix to achieve carbon neutrality by 2070? Rosatom is committed to working with India in scaling up nuclear energy as a key pillar of its clean energy transition. In April 2024, an important milestone was reached at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant – it delivered 100 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity to India's power grid. By March 2025, according to NPCIL , the cumulative generation had increased to 106 billion kilowatt-hours. Units 1 and 2 have been consistently operating at an output of over 1,000 MW, exceeding their design capacity of 995 MW. Currently, we are the only foreign company whose design is being used for the construction of a nuclear power plant in India. Our partnership with India spans decades. The construction of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, which began in 2002, is the flagship project of Russian-Indian technological and energy cooperation. The plant has become a symbol of fruitful collaboration between our countries, and its six units are laying a solid foundation for India's energy independence, economic growth, and sustainable development. Units 1 and 2 of the Kudankulam NPP were connected to India's national power grid in 2013 and 2016, respectively. Four more units are currently under construction. Our prospective cooperation includes the deployment of large-scale Generation III+ power units with VVER-1200 reactors and the advancement of small modular reactors (SMRs), both of which offer stable, low-emission power that complements the intermittency of renewable sources. We understand that India's roadmap to net-zero by 2070 will require a reliable and diversified energy base. Nuclear energy, with its high load factor and minimal carbon footprint, is uniquely positioned to provide this backbone. Our SMR technology has the potential to be integrated into regions with limited grid infrastructure or phased-out coal plants, offering flexible, modular capacity that aligns with India's evolving power needs. We are aligning our efforts towards localization and long-term fuel partnerships to deliver safe, sustainable, and commercially viable civil nuclear energy solutions for India's future. What are the latest inputs on Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant and any new contracts that Rosatom has signed with Indian authorities? Units 1 and 2 are fully operational, delivering reliable power to the grid. Units 3 and 4 are progressing steadily towards completion, with significant milestones achieved. Construction of Units 5 and 6 is underway, marked by the recent shipment of a VVER-1000 reactor vessel for Unit 6 in January 2025. In December 2023, our fuel company, TVEL, initiated a long-term nuclear fuel supply contract for Units 3 and 4, covering initial and subsequent fuel loads from 2025. During the operation of the power units 1 and 2 of the first stage of Kudankulam NPP, Russian and Indian specialists have accomplished a large amount of work to improve their efficiency by introducing advanced nuclear fuel and extended fuel cycles. Since 2022, Kudankulam NPP has been supplied with nuclear fuel of improved design TVS-2M. The new fuel ensures more reliable and cost-efficient operation of reactors due to its rigid skeleton, new-generation anti-debris filter and higher uranium mass. Its introduction also enabled an increase in the fuel cycle of the reactors from 12 to 18 months – it is the time of continuous operation of the reactor before shutdown for unloading irradiated fuel and loading fresh fuel. Operating with longer fuel cycles also improves the economic efficiency of NPPs: The power unit is shut down less often for fuel reloading and generates more energy during the year. These achievements will also be implemented at the new Kudankulam power units. This is a result of our successful cooperation in recent years. Throughout the entire NPP life cycle, we not only supply nuclear fuel, but also provide engineering services, improving the efficiency of power units through new solutions for fuel and fuel cycles. Tell us about your upcoming plans. Any new projects in India that you are in talks about, new locations being considered for nuclear plants or future collaborations? We are currently engaged in active discussions around the project of the Russian-designed NPP, and we look forward to the official announcement from Indian authorities at the appropriate time. These conversations are part of a broader vision to scale up our presence in India in line with its growing energy demands and clean energy goals. In addition to expanding capacity at Kudankulam, we are also exploring the deployment of low-power nuclear technologies, including SMRs, which are particularly suited to remote locations and industrial applications. We see significant potential for cooperation not only within India but also in joint initiatives in third countries. Our cooperation extends beyond the borders of India. Indian companies are participating in our project for the construction of Bangladesh's first nuclear power plant, Rooppur. Another major area of cooperation is the Northern Sea Route (NSR) and logistics. We are discussing with our partners various options for collaboration in such fields as increasing Russian-Indian cargo traffic along the NSR, shipbuilding, construction, modernization and operation of commercial port infrastructure, creation of a fleet of maritime containers, development of supporting infrastructure, as well as LNG carriers, oil tankers, bulk carriers, and high ice-class container ships. To coordinate joint efforts on the NSR, a dedicated joint working group was established under the Russian-Indian Intergovernmental Commission. The group held its first meeting on October 10, 2024, in New Delhi. During the discussions the specific items of the agenda were highlighted, namely the goals of Indian-Russian cargo transit along the Northern Sea Route, joint projects in Arctic shipbuilding, and the possible training of Indian sailors for polar navigation. It is important to highlight the scientific activities of Indian institutions in the study of the Arctic. Since 2021, a comprehensive monitoring program has been underway in the waters of the NSR, involving international experts, including representatives from Indian scientific organizations. Tell us about your upcoming plans in India around SMRs. SMRs are a key part of our long-term cooperation with India, and we see strong alignment between our technological expertise and India's evolving energy priorities. We are in discussions with multiple stakeholders to introduce advanced SMR solutions that are safe, scalable, and capable of supporting both industrial applications and grid-based power. Our SMR offerings are designed for rapid deployment and are well-suited to regions where large reactors may not be feasible. With passive safety systems, modular construction, and the potential for localization, these reactors present a reliable and flexible energy solution. We believe SMRs can play an important role in ensuring energy security while enabling decarbonization. Are the recent geopolitical developments affecting Rosatom's business in India? Is there any impact on the ongoing projects or potential future collaborations? India and Russia share a longstanding and resilient partnership in the field of nuclear energy, and that cooperation continues with strength and stability. Despite the broader geopolitical environment, our projects in India, including the Kudankulam NPP, remain on track, with no disruptions to construction timelines or fuel supply. We are in constant coordination with our Indian counterparts to ensure that ongoing and planned activities proceed as scheduled. Both sides remain committed to preserving the integrity of the cooperation, and we continue to work closely to address any challenges that may arise. As a global company, we operate in diverse markets and have extensive experience navigating complex international frameworks. Our focus in India is to deliver on our commitments, support India's energy transition goals, and deepen bilateral cooperation across the full spectrum of nuclear technologies. What new technological innovations do you intend to introduce to India? Our engagement with India is driven by a commitment to deliver advanced, high-performing nuclear technologies that support long-term energy and development goals. One key innovation already deployed is the TVS-2M fuel assembly, now in use at Kudankulam Units 1 and 2. This fuel design enables longer operating cycles, increases uranium efficiency, and enhances the mechanical integrity of fuel elements, resulting in improved safety and cost optimization. In addition to reactor technologies, we are deepening our focus on non-energy applications of nuclear science. In nuclear medicine, we supply about 13 per cent of India's medical isotopes and are actively engaged in expanding capabilities in diagnostics and radiopharmaceuticals. In agriculture, we see significant opportunities for collaboration in the use of radiation technologies, including food irradiation, which can improve food safety, extend shelf life, and reduce post-harvest losses. These technologies have already proven effective globally and are well suited to the scale and diversity of India's agriculture sector. We remain focused on delivering innovation not just in power generation, but across the broader spectrum of peaceful nuclear applications, tailored to India's national priorities. Together with colleagues from the India's Department of Atomic Energy, we are working within the framework of the joint working groups to explore new areas of cooperation in nuclear reactors with molten salt and gas coolants, SMRs, decommissioning of nuclear facilities and radioactive waste management, spent nuclear fuel management, fusion energy, quantum technologies, and non-power applications of nuclear technologies. How does your company plan to manage the cost challenges in India? Are there any financial agreements or funding models that you could introduce to make nuclear energy more affordable for India? We recognise that affordability is a critical consideration in the Indian market, particularly as the country balances rapid industrial growth with decarbonization goals. Our approach is centred around long-term partnership, localization, and flexible delivery models that support cost efficiency across the project lifecycle. In our ongoing work with Indian stakeholders, we are focused on the local manufacturing, and the involvement of Indian engineering firms in civil works and equipment supply. This not only reduces costs but also contributes to building domestic capabilities and employment. Over time, these measures directly enhance the cost competitiveness of nuclear energy for India. Additionally, our projects have benefited from structured inter-governmental financing frameworks, including sovereign credit protocols that enable stable long-term investments in infrastructure. Such models ensure predictability and shared risk, which are essential for projects of this scale and complexity. We continue to engage in dialogue with Indian authorities on new financing approaches that can help accelerate deployment, particularly in the context of emerging technologies like SMRs and future sites beyond Kudankulam.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Factbox-EU's plan to phase out Russian gas by end-2027
By Kate Abnett BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Commission will next month propose legal measures to phase out the EU's imports of all Russian gas and liquefied natural gas by the end of 2027, it said on Tuesday. Here are the key details: GAS AND LNG Russia was Europe's top gas supplier before its 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, providing around 45% of the European Union's gas. That share plunged to 19% last year, and the EU has vowed to eliminate it altogether in response to the war. The European Commission will in June present legal proposals to ban new Russian gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) deals, and ban EU imports under existing spot contracts by the end of 2025, it said in plans published on Tuesday. The Commission will also propose next month to ban imports under existing long-term contracts by the end of 2027. Companies including TotalEnergies and Spain's Naturgy have Russian LNG contracts that extend into the 2030s. The EU plans would affect countries including Hungary and Slovakia, which still receive Russian gas via pipelines, and countries including Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Spain, which buy Russian LNG. Others, including Poland and the Baltic states, already stopped buying Russian gas. To attempt to better track imports from Russia, the Commission will also propose rules obliging companies to disclose the volumes and duration of their Russian gas contracts. OIL Unlike with gas, the EU has imposed sanctions on most Russian oil imports, with exceptions for Slovakia and Hungary. Those countries, which have sought to maintain close political ties to Russia, have threatened to block gas sanctions, which they say would drive up energy prices. The EU will propose requirements for Slovakia and Hungary to produce national plans for how they will quit Russian oil by end-2027. The two countries still import more than 80% of their oil from Russia. Just 3% of total EU oil imports now come from Russia, compared with around 27% before the Ukraine war. Member countries will also be required to present national plans for phasing out Russian gas by end-2027, the Commission said. NUCLEAR FUEL The European Commission will in June propose trade measures targeting Russian enriched uranium. EU energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen said this would amount to a tax or levy on imports. The Commission did not specify any phase-out date for Russian uranium imports. Five EU countries - Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary and Slovakia - have Russian-designed reactors set up to run on Russian fuel. While all except for Hungary have signed contracts for alternative supplies since 2022, years-long wait times mean they are not able to immediately switch. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? The European Commission's legal proposals, due in June, will require approval from the European Parliament and a qualified majority of member states - meaning one or two countries cannot block the plans. EU countries and lawmakers will need to fast-track these negotiations, if the ban on new Russian gas deals is to apply by the end of the year. The effectiveness of the EU measures will depend on the legal options used, which the Commission did not specify on Tuesday. Jorgensen said the proposals would amount to "force majeure" - an unforeseeable event that companies could use as grounds to exit gas contracts. Lawyers have warned, however, that in the absence of sanctions, it will be difficult for buyers to exit gas contracts using force majeure, without facing financial penalties or arbitration. The EU imported 32 billion cubic metres (bcm) of Russian gas via pipeline and 20 bcm of Russian LNG last year. Two-thirds was under long-term contracts, and the rest uncontracted "spot" purchases. (Reporting by Kate AbnettEditing by Tomasz Janowski)
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
After 3 years of full-scale war in Ukraine, Europe announces plan to ban all Russian gas imports
BRUSSELS — After years of reducing its reliance on Russian gas, the European Union is moving to turn off the taps completely within the next two years. The European Commission (EC) on May 6 presented a detailed roadmap to fully sever the European Union's energy dependence on Russia by 2027. The plan has been described as the bloc's most comprehensive effort yet to end imports of Russian gas, oil, and nuclear fuel, a dependency critics argue has long compromised EU sovereignty and funded the Kremlin's war machine in Ukraine. "Energy that comes to our continent should not pay for a war of aggression against Ukraine," EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen said on May 6, adding: "We owe this to our citizens, to our companies and to our brave Ukrainian friends." The EU's reliance on Russian energy has dropped significantly since 2021, when Russian gas accounted for 45% of imports. That figure now stands at 19%, according to a statement from the EC. Russian coal has already been banned and oil imports have fallen from 27% in early 2022 to just 3%. Yet, as the Commission admits, 2024 saw a modest rebound in Russian gas imports, prompting urgent calls for a coordinated phase-out. The May 6 announcement lays out a phased plan to cut European money flowing into Kremlin coffers. All new contracts for Russian gas — both liquefied (LNG) and pipeline — will be prohibited, while spot market purchases will be terminated by the end of 2025. The EU aims to halt all remaining gas imports from Russia by 2027. National governments, including Kremlin-friendly Hungary and Slovakia, will be required to submit individual phase-out plans by year's end. This includes ending long-term contracts early, with the Commission deeming that Russia's invasion creates force majeure conditions, allowing European companies to cut contracts early without consequence. Beyond gas and oil, the roadmap targets Russia's often-overlooked nuclear exports. Member states still reliant on Russian-designed VVER reactors will be pushed to secure alternative nuclear fuel sources. Brussels will also move to block new contracts involving Russian enriched uranium and bolster EU production of medical radioisotopes under a new "European Radioisotopes Valley Initiative." The Eagle S oil tanker is seen anchored near the Port of Kilpilahti in Porvoo, Finland, on Jan. 13, 2025. (Vesa Moilanen / Lehtikuva / AFP via Getty Images) Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen struck a defiant tone when announcing the plan: "No more shall Euros go into [Russia's] war chest. Your gas will be banned. Your shadow fleet will be stopped." Still, the plan hinges on a delicate balance. The EU must navigate the phase-out without triggering energy shortages or price shocks, particularly as European voters grow increasingly wary of rising living costs. The Commission says expanded LNG capacity — expected to grow by 200 billion cubic meters by 2028 — combined with declining gas demand will ease the transition. Analysts caution that some member states may drag their feet. Hungary, for instance, remains heavily reliant on Russian nuclear fuel and has resisted tougher energy sanctions in the past. Meanwhile, European industry still bears scars from the 2022 energy crisis, when the initial scramble to replace Russian supplies sent prices soaring. While von der Leyen stressed that the roadmap is about "security, solidarity and sovereignty," for Ukraine and its supporters, it also marks a long-awaited reckoning. For years, activists and Ukrainian officials have pleaded with Europe to stop financing Russian aggression through energy purchases. The roadmap may not erase that history — but it signals that the EU, however belatedly, has begun to listen. Read also: A night with the medics of Ukraine's 3rd Assault Brigade on Kharkiv Oblast front We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Russia Planning to Build More Nuclear Reactors in Iran
Russian state-run nuclear energy giant Rosatom is in talks to build another nuclear power plant in Iran. The Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA) on Feb. 23 said Rosatom CEO Alexei Likhachev discussed the plan at the Future Technologies Forum in Moscow, Russia. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Moscow in January to talk about a partnership deal between the two countries related to energy. Iran wants to increase its power generation capacity because of ongoing blackouts across the country due to a lack of available electricity. 'We are conducting another [round of] large-scale negotiations on the next site for developing nuclear energy in Iran,' Likhachev said at the forum in Moscow. The Rosatom chief executive said a site for a nuclear power station has been chosen, but did not reveal the location, saying only that 'the start of work is still a long way off. 'We see Iran's government taking an active stance in advancing nuclear energy. On our end, we are accelerating our efforts and are engaged in large-scale negotiations regarding the next site for nuclear energy development in Iran,' Likhachev said. Iran has one operating nuclear reactor, a 1,000-MW Russian-designed VVER unit at the southern port city of Bushehr, on the coast of the Persian Gulf. Two more VVER-1000 units are under construction at the site. Work on Unit 2 began in 2019, with commercial operation now expected in 2029 after earlier reports said the unit could come online last year. Iranian media reported that installation of safety equipment in Unit 2 began earlier in February, along with excavation works for the water cooling pump houses of both units. [caption id="attachment_180543" align="alignnone" width="640"] The Bushehr nuclear power station, a 1,000-MW facility, came online in 2013. It is Iran's only operating nuclear power plant. Source: Bushehr NPP[/caption] Construction of Unit 3 began last year. The expansion project would increase Bushehr's generation capacity to about 3,000 MW. Likhachev said Rosatom was 'very actively' working with Iran on the Bushehr expansion. Iran also is building a smaller, 300-MW nuclear plant in the Khuzestan province, near the country's western border with Iraq. That plant is scheduled to come online by 2030. Russia and Iran have been working to strengthen their bilateral cooperation around energy. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the two countries' agreements are part of a 'comprehensive strategic partnership. It sets ambitious goals and outlines guidelines for deepening bilateral cooperation in the long term.' —Darrell Proctor is a senior editor for POWER.
