Bengaluru: A central power ministry team is in Raichur Thermal Power Station (RTPS) to assess the feasibility of setting up a nuclear power plant. The drought-prone district in the heart of Kalyana Karnataka already hosts two major thermal power stations that together generate about 3,320 MW of electricity, supplying nearly half of Karnataka’s power needs.Sources in Raichur said a three-member technical team is conducting inspections to evaluate the possibility of establishing a nuclear facility within RTPS premises, which spans nearly 1,300 acres. The visit revived memories of earlier attempts by the Centre to identify locations in Karnataka for nuclear energy projects, many of which faced stiff public opposition.In the past, experts from National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) shortlisted locations such as Halakavatagi in Lingasugur taluk and Karadigudda village in Manvi taluk, besides sites in neighbouring Vijayapura and Koppal districts. However, the proposals were not approved by the state govt, which did not disclose the reasons. Sources in Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) told TOI the expert team is camping at RTPS on the outskirts of Raichur city and will continue inspections Friday too. “They are examining whether portions of the existing infrastructure can be adapted for nuclear reactors. However, there is currently no proposal before the state govt either to establish or permit a nuclear plant at RTPS. Similar studies are being conducted at thermal power stations across the country and the Raichur visit is part of that exercise,” a KPCL official said.
