After developing the Fast Breeder Reactor, scientists at Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, IGCAR, will now pool their expertise to design advanced super-critical boilers for use in coal-based power plants. The Kalpakkam-based Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, IGCAR, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) recently in this regard. The MoU came in the wake of suggestions in this regard by Principal Scientific Adviser R Chidambaram. IGCAR Director Baldev Raj said, they have the expertise of equipment design, development of materials that can operate in very high temperature has been demonstrated while developing the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor. Mr Raj also made a presentation on the subject at a meeting of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Union Cabinet headed by Chidambaram held in New Delhi today.The advanced super-critical boilers will be able to operate at a pressure of 350 bar and withstand temperature of 700 degree Centigrade. He expected the project, which could cost to the tune of 10,000 crore rupees to be realised by 2017. Mr Raj said, as India aimed to generate at least 4,00,000 MW power by 2030 through coal-fired power plants, it was necessary to develop advanced super-critical technologies that would be less taxing on the environment.