Present perspective on nuclear energy development in India

Abstract: 
Nuclear power is critically important for energy requirements of India since it has a very low carbon and environmental footprint when compared to fossil fuel and hydro-based power generation. India has about of two dozen nuclear reactors operating and several more are in various stages of commissioning. These reactors utilize a variety of technologies, chief among them the light water and pressurized heavy water reactors with a total installed capacity of about 5000 MW. The growth of nuclear power has been constrained due to limited availability of uranium in the country. For a faster growth installation indigenous reactors will have to be augmented by import of other types of reactors along with the supply of uranium. Installation of domestic reactors has suffered due to opposition from local groups, specially in the aftermath of Fukushima disaster. In 2008 the Indo-US nuclear cooperation agreement followed by agreements with several members of nuclear suppliers group including the latest ones with Australia, France and Canada have opened up a number of options for India in nuclear power generation. Difficulties on the issue of nuclear liability had slowed down the nuclear commerce with other countries however, scenario may change with the insurance mechanism being put in place. India is now exploring various emerging options specially with large capacity reactors such as Russian VVER, European EPR in the 1600+ MW range that could allow rapid enhancement in nuclear power generation. 

This talk will cover the nuclear energy scene in the country with special emphasis on recent developments on various fronts that will have significant impact on the future of India. About the speaker: Prof. M.R. Srinivasan had joined Dr. Homi J. Bhabha in 1955 to work on the development of atomic energy in the country, and played a pioneering role. Prof. Srinivasan is a prolific author and he has written several books and a large number of scholarly articles on nuclear power generation in India. Being the foremost authority in nuclear power as well as a highly articulate person, his views are regularly sought both by the experts and the media. He was the first head of the Nuclear Power Corporation when it was formed in the eighties. He chaired the Atomic Energy Commission during 1987-1990. He is currently a member of the Atomic Energy Commission. For his outstanding services to the nation in the field of nuclear energy, he was decorated with the award of Padma Vibhushan by the honourable President of India.