Welcome to the IPA Day 2009 Webpage

NUCLEAR ENERGY IN INDIA – PERSPECTIVES, CHALLENGES AND FUTURE.
Click here to download complete program detail in PDF
 

Introduction

IPA organizes seminars on contemporary issues as part of the IPA Day celebration. The topic chosen for discussion this year is: NUCLEAR ENERGY IN INDIA– PERSPECTIVES, CHALLENGES AND FUTURE

The world has realized that nuclear energy is a safe alternative to the fast depleting fossil reserves. It can certainly supplemente the conventional sources and contribute to maintaining a clean atmosphere. The ever increasing energy needs, the consequent pressures on the fossil reserves and climate change concerns have compelled many countries to focus on sustainable energy sources including nuclear.

Presently, there are about 440 nuclear reactors in operation worldwide together with 44 new reactors under construction. There are prospects of establishing another 200 nuclear plants in the next 25 years. Behind the excitement there is a big challenge of sourcing material and ski lied personnel. More so because there haven’t been any new builds in most parts of the world for the last two decades. There are also concerns of proliferation and waste management. The situation in India is, of course, different. The nuclear industry there has been quite vibrant and there have not been any deaths of qualified personnel either. Uniquely for India, the closed fuel cycle ensures the maximum utilization of fuel and minimum waste for disposaI. It also leads the country towards energy security through the utilization of the abundant element Thorium in the coming centuries.

The IPA Day Seminar 2009 will focus on the perspectives of India in world nuclear energy in the 21st century, the challenges faced and the future ahead.

Although India happens to be the fifth largest electricity generating country, the per capita consumption is among the lowest in the world. It is very important that this imbalance be corrected as much as possible. The growth rate of 8-9% GDP planned for the next 25 years is also aimed at improving the living standards of the common man. One can imagine the energy required for these goals to be met. Coal is likely to continue as the major source for many years. But the expectation from nuclear and other sustainable sources are higher than before. Nuclear power is to constitute about 25% of electricity by 2050 compared to the present 3% (in France, the part of electricity from nuclear reaches nearly 80%).

In the absence of access to any technology outside the country, India had to build its own strength and self sufficiency. But this was at a cost. It took quite a bit of time to understand and then master the technology. Presently, the availability of adequate Uranium is the major constraint. Realizing the large energy needs of India and its impact on the global fuel pricing, the friendly countries like France, the Russian Federation and the US decided to persuade the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group (NSG) to grant a special exemption.

Following the NSG approval in September 2008, the isolation of 34 years came to an end. Inter Government Agreements have since been signed with France, the Russian Federation and the US for collaboration on the peaceful use of nuclear power. Each of these countries is expected to contribute substantially to the growth of nuclear power in India. It is heartening to note that the industry which was nurtured by the Department of Atomic Energy has now come of age and is fully matured. It has partnered the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) in meeting the challenges quite competently. The major companies are BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals) L&T (Larsen & Toubro), Godrej, Gammon India, Dodsal and HCC among many others. They are more than eager to put in their might to support the unprecedented expansion.

As mentioned earlier, concerted efforts are needed to develop capabilities in the manufacturing of special components for different Light Water Reactors (LWR) technologies. This holds the key to the early launching of the units, because already nuclear manufacturing facilities in the world are very few and most of them are presently overbooked.

The next challenge consists of preparing a pool of qualified and skilled personnel. There is no shortage of human resources but it is important that structured qualification and training needs to be increased to meet the expanding programme.

The biggest challenge is to meet the targets set by the Government for installing the capacities and also the immense expectations from the public after the much publicized debates within and outside India.

The present capacity of 4120 MWe is going to be augmented to 6780 MWe in the next one year through new constructions, which are in advanced stages. The first Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) which is under construction will put India in an enviable position because the only other countries that have been operating an industrial size sodium cooled Fast Breeder Reactor are France, Japan and the Russian Federation. There are plans to build at least three addition al reactors of this type in the next 10 years.

Besides the Light Water Reactors (LWR) that will be coming from France, the Russian Federation and the United States will also help build up a large capacity of about 30 GWe in a period of about 15 years. Hence the nuclear sector in India can look forward to hectic activities in the coming years. One must not forget the advantages that will accrue to the other sectors also when such large expansion takes place.

Schedule & Agenda

Speakers

Date, Time & Venue

Registration

IPA Members are requested to register through web confirmation system. Kindly add guest name while confirmation, this is to keep track on the IPA Day.

Committee & Contact