The nuclear deal with the United States is progressing well and at present the fuel support guarantee has to be converted into contracts, according to Anil Kakodkar, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy.

"We are making sure that each stage is right and are talking to all possible vendors," he told journalists recently in the southern Indian city of Tiruchi. Entities willing to set up utilities must have experience in Indian conditions, he said and pointed out that Enron was still fresh in everybody's minds.

Once started, cooling must be maintained for the reactors whether or not electricity is generated. With decision-making stake of Nuclear Power Corporation Limited, joint ventures could be entered into with companies under the existing Atomic Energy Act.

Starting of work in five to six sites would be enough for the initial boost to utilize imported uranium under the nuclear deal. In each site, six to eight units, with capacities ranging from 1,000 to 1,600 MW, could be established. As regards Fast Breeder Reactor, the sites are yet to be identified, but at least four units of 500 MW each have been planned, Kakodkar said.