Decommissioning Nuclear Facilities

The IAEA 51st General Conference was the setting for the launch of a new international initiative aimed at bolstering cooperation between organizations involved in the decommissioning of nuclear installations. Called the International Decommissioning Network (IDN), the initiative will act as a conduit for the flow of skills and information from those Member States with proven decommissioning expertise to those facing the challenge for the first time or whose programs are constrained by lack of resources.

Around the world more than 350 nuclear installations - including research and medical as well as power reactors - are ageing and approaching the end of their operational life-span. Decommissioning a nuclear facility is a complicated and costly process. Some have already been shut down and await the complicated and the costly task of decommissioning. The decommissioning is a process by which the facilities are cleared of industrial and radioactive contamination so that they may safely be used for other purposes. Many of these facilities are small and widely distributed geographically and the decommissioning strategies need to be tailored to cope with limited experience, infrastructure and funding.

Formed just a year ago, the International Decommissioning Network (IDN) is changing the way knowledge, expertise and information are shared between Member States. It was noted that many developing member states have become sources of very specific technical expertise in decommissioning of nuclear fuel cycle facilities (Source: IAEA News). The IAEA should serve as a nodal agency to collate and disseminate the decommissioning knowledge to Member States without much red tapism.

Nuclear Science for Food Security: Plant Breeding Technique Can Help Beat World Hunger (IAEA News)

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) called for increased investment in a plant breeding technique that could bolster efforts aimed at pulling millions of people out of the hunger trap. IAEA scientists use radiation to produce improved high-yielding plants that adapt to harsh climate conditions such as drought or flood, or that are resistant to certain diseases and insect pests. Called mutation induction, the technique is safe, proven and cost-effective. It has been in use since the 1920s.

This year, shortages combined with increasing demand have created a new global food crisis. At its root: adverse weather conditions linked to climate change, the diversion of land for the cultivation of bio-fuels, and a tendency to live on food credit. As usual, the poor are hardest hit by rising prices. In addition to the more than 850 million people worldwide who were already going hungry, millions more now are being pushed below the one-dollar-a-day poverty level.

For decades the IAEA, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has assisted its Member States to produce more, better and safer food. In plant breeding and genetics, its expertise is helping countries around the world to achieve enhanced agricultural output using nuclear technology.

Already more than 3000 crop varieties of some 170 different plant species have been released through the direct intervention of the IAEA: they include barley that grows at 5000 meters (16,400 ft) and rice that thrives in saline soil. These varieties provide much needed food as well as millions of dollars in economic benefits for farmers and consumers, especially in developing countries.

Plants produced using induced mutation are cultivated throughout the world. Others are being developed, seeking to enhance agriculture and resolve problems caused by climate change or disease/insect pests. In India, Mutant groundnut series "TAG" has early maturity, high pod growth and greatly improved harvest rates. Total domestic seed sales amount to 132,000 tons and cover 6.5 million hectares (16.06 million acres). Good going.

Nuclear decay data – New by ICRP

Committee 2 of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has the responsibility for providing dose coefficients for intakes of radionuclides by workers who are occupationally exposed and by members of the public exposed to radionuclides in the environment. During the past thirty years, these coefficients have been based on the energies and intensities of emitted radiations tabulated in Publication 38 issued in 1983. That publication, developed during the preparation of Publication 30, addressed 820 radionuclides – 764 with half-lives greater than 10 min and 56 with half-lives less than 10 min as either decay products of a longer lived isotope or a radioisotope of potential interest in nuclear medicine.

The new publication announced by the ICRP supersedes Publication 38 and provides data on the energies and intensities of the emissions of 1251 radionuclides. Unlike in the publication 38, the data are provided in electronic form on a CD rather than printed tables. The data will serve as the basis for calculation of absorbed doses in organs and tissues of the body and the evaluation of localized depth dose distributions. All radioisotopes of elements of atomic number through 100 (hydrogen to fermium) with half-lives greater than 1 min for which the nuclear structure information were sufficient for a meaningful assessment of the nuclear and atomic emissions are included in the publication. This includes 922 isotopes of half-life greater than 10 min and 329 isotopes of half-life less than 10 min. This departure enables presenting the data in a form need by the dosimetrist and the inclusion of the continuous energy distributions of beta particles and that of neutrons which accompany spontaneous fission.
(Source: ICRP Website)

The gaping holes in Indian Atomic Power Plant security!

It was reported by Mumbai Mirror that there are 30 gaps in the 3-km boundary wall of Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS). The paper reports that the security measures are abysmally poor! This is a shocking revelation to hear after the Terrorist’s outrages in Mumbai. Even the CISF personnel who guards the power plants could be bribed (a paltry sum of Rs.100) to get an entry to any body! Mr. Ramamurthy, Director, TAPS 3&4 even thanked Mumbai Mirror for “awakening us”! Was he sleeping? The statement of the kind “TAPS is safe” is NOT acceptable to the public.

There are nuclear power plants operating in Tarapur, Kalpakkam and Mumbai, which are very close to the sea. It is now proved beyond doubt that the terrorists came to Mumbai via sea route on one dinghy, and country’s sea shores (8000 km long) are ill-guarded or hardly guarded. The government should immediately wake up to this reality and do all possible to avoid a possible NUCLEAR TERRORISM which has fear-dimension, a million times more, than what Mumbaites have gone through recently.

What is Terrorism

There is no internationally agreed definition of terrorism. Terrorism is the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion. Most common definitions of terrorism include only those acts which are intended to create fear (terror), are perpetrated for an ideological goal, and deliberately target or disregard the safety of innocent civilians. Some definitions also include acts of unlawful violence and war. Terrorism has been used by a broad array of political organizations in furthering their objectives.

The terrorist attack is carried out in such a way as to maximize the severity and length of the psychological impact. Terrorists also attack national symbols to show their power and to shake the foundation of the country or society they are opposed to.

Acts of terrorism can be carried out by individuals, groups, or states. According to some definitions, clandestine or semi-clandestine state actors may also carry out terrorist acts outside the framework of a state of war. However, the most common image of terrorism is that it is carried out by small and secretive cells, highly motivated to serve a particular cause. It has been found that a "terrorist" will look, dress, and behave like a normal person, such as a university student, until he or she executes the assigned mission. Terrorist profiling based on personality, physical, or sociological traits would not appear to be particularly useful. The physical and behavioral description of the terrorist could describe almost any normal young person.

Terrorist attacks are often targeted to maximize fear and publicity. They usually use explosives or poison, but there is also concern about terrorist attacks using weapons of mass destruction, such as nuclear devices (nuclear terrorism). Terrorist organizations usually methodically plan attacks in advance, and may train participants, plant "undercover" agents, and raise money from supporters or through organized crime. Communication may occur through modern telecommunication systems. The mass media will often censor organizations involved in terrorism (through self-regulation) to discourage further terrorism. However, this may encourage organisations to perform more extreme acts of terrorism to be shown in the mass media.

Pro-active and tough diplomatic maneuvers may result in reduced frequency of these acts of terrorism. However, the possibility of such terrorist acts can not be ruled out completely. Under such circumstances, it is absolutely necessary to establish Crisis or Disaster preparedness plans, with necessary infrastructures, at all the levels, viz., local, regional, state and country level. The plans should be “practicable, simple and easy for quick implementation”. The implementation authority should be identified for all the levels since time is an important factor to minimize casualties and damage to property.

IAEA Develops syllabus for training Radiation Oncologists

Radiotherapy could cure almost half of all cancers, but is largely unavailable in poor countries. Cancer killed 7.6 million people in 2005. By 2020, it could kill 16 million people each year. And more than 75% of new cancer cases and cancer deaths will be in developing countries. This dreadful situation can change with availability of adequate radiotherapy equipment, facilities and knowledgeable staff in low and middle income countries.

To address the critical shortage of trained radiotherapy staff in developing nations, the IAEA´s Division of Human Health (NAHU) has developed a syllabus for educational centres outlining the organization of training for radiation oncologists and the curriculum of subjects to be taught. The syllabus will be available to Member States and radiation oncologists in developing countries in 2009. The syllabus in four languages will be available in hard copy and free-of-charge on the IAEA website. (Source: IAEA News)

Global Shortage of Beneficial Radiation Sources used in Medicine

The global market for radioactive materials used in medicine is at risk of experiencing a supply problem over the coming years, as a limited number of aging reactors that produce them will have to cope with increasing demand worldwide. The existing fleet of research reactors worldwide is aging fast. Two-thirds of them are already over 40 years old.

The issue recently came to the fore as the simultaneous outages of three medical isotope production facilities in Europe resulted in the global shortage of technetium 99m, a radioisotope used in some 80 per cent of all nuclear medicine procedures in the world. The reliance on a limited number of research reactors and, specifically, the age of these reactors is closely linked to the issue of the global shortage of medical isotopes and could lead to serious consequences, says Ed Bradley, a nuclear engineer from the IAEA Research Reactors Group in the Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology.

Bradley says that the IAEA’s aim is to make sure that practical advice is made available to operators to help ensure facilities operate to produce medical isotopes as required. IAEA experts continue to work on issues specific to aging research reactors and how to extend their operational life.

Indo-US nuclear deal - India's diplomatic triumph

The much awaited and much publicized Indo-US nuclear deal is yet to be signed by the heads of the two countries. The House of Representatives approved the deal and endorsed the 123 Agreement, and the US senate has also cleared the deal with 86 votes for and 13 against the nuclear deal. World leaders hailed the Prime Minister of India for the landmark development in India’s nuclear scenario. It was the diplomacy of the higest order.

Now, India can go any NSG country for nuclear trade, without signing the NPT and CTBT, which are mandatory for such international nuclear cooperation. This is an ultimate exemption for India by the US with IAEA’s full support. India’s nuclear isolation ends as it enters the exclusive nuclear club.

The reactions in India is of jubilation except in the Left wing parties which states that the deal is a complete surrender to the US and betrayal of India’s vital interests. The party claims that the actual beneficiary is US nuclear industry, which is promised to get orders for nuclear plants to produce 10,000 Mwe at a projected cost of Rs.280,000 Crore! The left parties are not satisfied with the conditions of the 123 Agreement. Finally, India may or may not get the much wanted high technology of reprocessing and enrichment.

Now, India has to prepare itself for the enhanced nuclear activity in terms of specialized man power, the necessary legislation and augmentation of the regulatory infrastructure. Public safety should be ensured at any cost. Strategic needs should never be compromised. The government should ensure that the Indian industries should be the main beneficiary from the nuclear cooperation. The work on the thorium fuel cycle should be continued to sustain India’s long-term nuclear ambitions.

Indo-US nuclear deal – Will it be binding on the possible new governments?

Unfortunate rider to the Indo-US nuclear deal approval by the US Senate foreign relations committee is going to make India unhappy. The deal was approved by 19-2 margin. But, the condition is being stoppage of all transfer of technology, material and equipments to India in the event of India carry out a nuclear test. It also added a clause that the deal will be subjected to the provisions of the Hyde Act and other US laws. The Indo-US nuclear deal is introduced today in the US House of Representatives.

Will US also prevent the transfer of nuclear materials and technology from other NSG countries? Will India agree for such harsh conditions?

Does these conditions override the provisions of the 123 Agreement?

What are the chances of Manmohan Singh and Bush finally signing the deal during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to US?

Moreover, how both the governments will ensure that the deal (if signed) is binding on the possible new governments after the elections in US and India.

Nuclear Power Worldwide - Status

Nuclear power, in step with growing global demand for energy, will continue expanding into the next two decades, says the 2008 edition of Energy, Electricity and Nuclear Power Estimates for the Period to 2030, just published by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The report is produced every year since 1981, provides high and low projections - very general growth trends whose validity must constantly be subjected to critical review, the report states. The IAEA provides energy planning assistance to its 145 member states.

The low projection assumes that all nuclear capacity currently under construction or in the development pipeline gets constructed and current policies, such as phase-outs, remain unchanged. In such a scenario there would be growth in nuclear electricity production capacity to 473 gigawatt electrical (GW[e]) from the current 372 GW[e]. (A gigawatt is one billion watts). Rising costs of natural gas and coal, coupled with energy supply security and environmental constraints are among factors contributing to nuclear´s growth, said Hans-Holger Rogner, Head of the IAEA´s Nuclear Energy Planning and Economic Studies Section.

Mr. Rogner said that new environmental constraints such as entry-into-force of the Kyoto Protocol and the European carbon trading scheme mean there is now a real financial benefit to avoiding greenhouse gas emissions, adding to the appeal of low-carbon electricity generation, including nuclear power and renewables. The complete nuclear power chain - including uranium mining, reactor construction and waste disposal - emits only 3 – 24 grams of carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour, about the same as wind and hydro power, and well below coal, oil and natural gas.

The IAEA´s high projection, based on government and corporate announcements about longer-term plans for nuclear investments, as well as potential new national policies, such as responses to new international environmental agreements to combat climate change, estimates nuclear power electricity capacity would grow to 748 GW[e] by 2030.

From 2007 to 2008 the report says, total global electricity generation rose 4.8% while nuclear power´s share dropped to 14% from a nearly steady rate of 16 - 17 per cent between 1986 and 2005.

India prevails: India gets the crucial NSG waiver for Indo-US nuclear deal

International diplomacy of highest possible order was at display today at Vienna. India could clinch the much awaited waiver from the Nuclear Supplier’s Group (NSG). The two countries, Ireland and Austria were convinced by the Indo-US joint diplomacy and India makes history in the nuclear era. The 34-year old nuclear isolation has ended for India. The agreement now has to be cleared by the US Congress.

Along with the waiver and clinching the deal, the responsibility of India increases manifold. The world today accepted that: India has voluntarily declared moratorium on nuclear tests; India is a very responsible country in terms of nuclear applications, and it is a very big supporter of nuclear power, which is environmental friendly.

India should live up to the expectations of the NSG countries and others, who look up to India as an emerging super power in this part of the world.

Indo-US nuclear deal - US should remain committed

At the recent Nuclear Supplier’s Group (NSG) meeting, the US proposal seeking blanket exemption to India from the 45-member Nuclear Supplier’s Group for procuring nuclear fuel and hi-tech nuclear components/technology has run into rough weather. The issue will again be taken up in the NSG meeting to be held on September 4, 2008. The NSG may impose additional conditions which may not find favor with India. The responsibility now rests with American Administration to get the existing draft approved in the next NSG meeting without any compromise from Indian side.

Meantime, it is reported that a new NSG waiver draft is being worked out, keeping in perspective the concerns expressed by some of the NSG countries. The concerns seem to be: the status of the deal in case of any more nuclear weapons tests; transfer of reprocessing and enrichment technology to India, and periodic review of the waiver conditions, which may be seen as “intrusive” or discriminatory by India.

How India is going to manoeuvre the deal through this “conditions” is to be seen. Will there be enough time for getting the deal endorsed finally by the US Congress which begins its session September 8, 2008. US presidential pool is fast approaching and India expects that the US should stand committed to complete all the formalities pertaining to the deal, even after the presidential election.

Indo-US nuclear deal

The India-specific IAEA Safeguards, after clearance by the IAEA Board of Governors was forwarded to the US administration for getting the clearance from the US Congress, followed by US proposal seeking blanket exemption to India to approach 45-member Nuclear Supplier’s Group (NSG) for nuclear fuel.

There are non-proliferation loyalists and NGOs in US trying to impose conditions to restrain India from continuing with its N-weapons programme. The non-proliferation specialists remarked that unlike 178 other countries, India has not signed the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and it is one of the three countries which have not signed the NTP. The group is not for India getting the rights and privileges of civil nuclear trade that have been reserved only for members in good standing under the NPT.

The world community should remember that India is the only country which is pursuing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, including nuclear power in a big way. The country has been behaving very responsibly as a nuclear weapon state, and is in good standing even without signing NPT.

The success of the efforts put-in by the Indian government in getting clearance from its Parliament for the deal now depends on the Bush administration’s ability to get the required exemptions for India to nuclear trade, from the NSG. There are some smaller NSG countries voicing their reservations on the India-specific waivers. But there is broad support from major NSG countries for the waiver, and hence consensus for the waiver may be easy to obtain in the meeting to be held on September 2, 2008. Finally, India may be able to operationalise the Indo-US nuclear deal.

Nuclear Fuel Reserve Proposal

The Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) launched in 2006 calls for a dedicated, low-enriched uranium (LEU) stockpile to be owned and administered by the IAEA. The bank would aim to provide States with assurances of nuclear fuel supply and would seek to address potential disruptions of fuel shipments for nuclear power reactors. This is one among several multilateral nuclear approaches currently under consideration, including one by the Russian Federation to set up an LEU reserve under IAEA auspices in Russia. Matters of the fuel bank’s location, organization, and conditions for access are left to the Agency and its Member States to decide upon.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently pledged $10 million towards the fuel bank proposal. The UAE commitment was presented to IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei on 1 August by Mr. Hamad Al Kaabi, UAE Special Representative for International Nuclear Cooperation. The UAE contribution comes on the heels of three previous financial donations made by NTI, the United States and Norway, bringing the total committed amount for the nuclear fuel bank to $115 million.

This marks another important milestone towards supporting mechanisms for non-discriminatory, non-political assurances of supply of fuel for nuclear power plants, says IAEA Chief Dr. ElBaradei. A good move indeed.

Is India ready to operationalise the Indo-US nuclear deal?

In all probability, US President Bush will push the deal through the all-powerful US Congress. NSG countries must be ready with their offers to cash in on the sudden demand for the nuclear fuel and nuclear-related hi-tech requirements from India.

Is India ready with the regulatory infrastructure requirements for the rush of nuclear technology, in all forms? There are issues like legislation for private participation in nuclear power sector, law for public protection in case of any nuclear incidents/accidents, assigning responsibilities for nuclear and radiological safety, out-sourcing the required expertise, etc. The biggest foreseeable issue will be generating specially trained man power, with expertise in nuclear technology and radiological safety.

The public, in general are ignorant about these issues. Public Awareness Programs should aim at these issues, and the programs should be conducted nation-wide so as to mobilize public support for the nuclear technology.

India government wins Trust vote

India’s UPA government has won the much talked about trust vote to go ahead with the Indo-US nuclear deal. Now that as indicated, government can approach IAEA and Nuclear Supplier’s Group (NSG) and the rest will depend on how fast the US President takes it through the US Congress. Virtually, now the issue is to be handled mainly by Bush administration before the possible changes US and Indian governments next year. The benefit of winning trust vote should not be lost just because the things are not made to move at the speed required to operatioanalize the deal.

From Indian side, the required legislative changes in the Atomic Energy Act for private participation in nuclear power scenario should be done immediately. The positive response of the industrial stocks in Bombay Stock Exchange is indication of the potential overall industrial growth which is likely to occur due to the nuclear deal.

Now, the one big question in everybody's mind is: what happens to the thorium fuel cycle? The efforts put in by the scientists and engineers for years to master the thorium route for power generation should not go waste. Now that the hi-tech will be available from advanced countries, the government should pursue the thorium route with greater zeal so as to ensure long-term energy security.

Indo-US deal has become a non-issue

The political game which is being played just now is not really related with the Indo-US nuclear deal. The one-point agenda is to topple the government and try various political permutations and combinations preparatory for the next elections. The deal should not be allowed to be the casualty of the Indian dirty politics. At one point of time, BJP had no objection for the government for going ahead with the deal. Slowly everything has changed. If BJP votes against the deal, it will reflect very badly on its past image of supporting “nuclear” India.

In fact, BJP should support the deal and then fight the elections as a party with principles and national interest in focus. Let the tit-bit parties get aligned with any party. BJP Leader L.K. Advani should have a long-term vision for the country keeping in view of the energy security and climate change. The people of the country will revolt against BJP, if the party does not support the government on the nuclear issue. Congress may come back with majority in the next elections.

Multi-year IAEA Project to make Comparative Analysis of Nuclear Waste and CO2 Storage

Economists and energy planners at the IAEA have embarked upon a multi-year project that will make a comparative analysis of the storage of nuclear waste and carbon dioxide. The project is expected to be of interest to many countries investigating nuclear power while weighing mounting anxiety over climate change. The study will seek to provide information and experience about the possible advantages and disadvantages of going to fossil-based or nuclear-based power generation.

Concerns over climate change and energy security have prompted greater interest in carbon capture and storage (CCS), a technology that would reduce greenhouse gases emissions by trapping CO2 emitted by fossil fuel power plants and storing them underground, similar to the safe long-term disposal of nuclear waste generated in nuclear power plants. The project will also look at the environmental impact of storing the two waste products underground, and the potential hazards to human health.

Nuclear shield for India’s Parliament

It is a laudable decision by the Indian government to provide safety shield against nuclear attacks and use of other weapons of mass destruction to the Parliament. In view of the fact that the neighboring countries are testing all types of long-range missiles with nuclear capabilities, it is only the right thing to provide adequate safety and security measures to protect the Parliament House in New Delhi. Cost of such a provision is immaterial.

It is reported that the security plan includes building shielded bunkers to protect against radiation exposure, and a state-of-the-art Air Filtration equipment to filter-out chemicals unleashed is a nuclear, biological and chemical weapons attack. The nation has already witnessed terrorist strike on the Parliament in 2001.

Nation expects an early decision and implementation of the scheme at the earliest.

G8 Leaders Stress Safe, Peaceful Nuclear Development

Leaders of the Group of 8 countries (G8)singled out the IAEA´s key roles in tackling challenges of safe and peaceful nuclear development - including actions to address climate change - at their summit in Japan from 7-9 July 2008. In his summary statement of 9 July, Chairman Yasuo Fukuda, Prime Minister of Japan, pointed out rising interest among countries in nuclear power programmes as a means to address climate change and energy security concerns.

The countries regard nuclear power as an essential instrument in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and hence greenhouse gas emissions. It was reiterated that safeguards (nuclear non-proliferation), nuclear safety and nuclear security are fundamental principles for the peaceful use of nuclear energy. With regard to the Civil Nuclear Cooperation with India, the Chairman stated that G8 countries look forward to working with India, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Nuclear Suppliers Group and other partners to advance India´s non-proliferation commitments and progress so as to facilitate a more robust approach to civil nuclear cooperation with India to help it meet its growing energy needs in a manner that enhances and reinforces the global non-proliferation regime.

G8 countries include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Russian Federation, United Kingdom and the United States. The European Union also participates in the summit which takes place once a year. The next summit is scheduled for Maddalena, Italy in 2009.

What is 123 Agreement?

The 123 Agreement is so called because Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act of 1954 establishes an agreement for civilian nuclear cooperation as a prerequisite for nuclear deals between the US and any other nation. This agreement needs to be signed as part of the Indo-US nuclear deal to be submitted to the US legislature for its approval. Article 2.4 of the Agreement provides for continuing with un-safeguarded nuclear activities such as weapons program, of either party.

This can happen once the India-specific IAEA safeguards are approved, and India approaches NSG for clearance to nuclear fuel supply to India. However, any supply from US may not be possible without India passing legislation to provide “nuclear Liability Protection”, which guarantees for providing compensation to the public in the event of an accident so that the suppliers of nuclear materials are not affected.

Draft India-specific IAEA safeguards revealed

The draft IAEA safeguards agreement prepared and submitted by Indian government to IAEA for approval by the Board of Governors revealed that:

1. India can have continuous and uninterrupted nuclear fuel supply from NSG countries
2. The country separates its civilian and military nuclear facilities in a phased manner
3. India will have access to international fuel market/fuel suppliers and can have reserve of nuclear fuel.

These are in favor of the country, and the fears of the Left parties are adequately addressed. However, the more important issue is to see how quickly the US President handles the deal to get approval of the US Congress. Time is running out for both the governments.

IAEA Safeguards

IAEA is an international United Nations agency with a mandate to accelerate, and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world. The agency should ensure that any assistance provided by it or at its request or under its supervision or control is not used for furthering any military purposes. The IAEA is authorized to establish and administer the source or fissionable material specific- safeguards to ensure its mandate. Once the safeguards document is approved by the Board of Governors of the IAEA, the country can approach Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) of countries for nuclear fuel supply for the reactors under the safeguards. There are six nuclear power reactors in India which are already under IAEA safeguards.

The safeguards consist of basic documents, relevant protocols, material supply agreements, verification of non-proliferation undertakings, and guidelines related to the implementation of the IAEA safeguards. The purpose is to have full control over the fissionable material, mainly plutonium produced in the nuclear reactors which are under the safeguards. The plutonium can also be used in nuclear weapons/devices with military applications.

Indo-US deal likely to be clinched

Left parties, part of the coalition government at the centre has withdrawn the support to the Manmohan Singh government on the nuclear issue. The India government has decided to go ahead with the deal. The reason to oppose the deal by Left Parties may simply be because USA is involved, and anything American should be opposed whether it is in the national interest or not!

Now, the trial of strength in the Lok Sabha will be called for by the President and one has to see whether Samajwad Party and the other splinter parties will be able to make-up for the loss of number of MPs from the Left parties. Winning the trust vote will take the deal past IAEA, and India can approach Nuclear Suppliers Group for nuclear fuel for its civilian reactors. Anyway, the Congress government has taken a bold step in the national interest. The success of the deal will also give a boost to the much needed privatization plan of nuclear power in India

Indo-US nuclear deal is in national interest

Indo-US nuclear deal is in national interest – says Ex. President of India, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to the Samajwadi Party. In case of a pull-out of Left parties from the government, Samajwadi Party is being asked to support the government from falling on India going ahead with the deal. There is also a lot of pressure from US, from President Bush, on India to go ahead with the deal before the next government in US takes over. In-spite of all these obstacles, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is all for the nuclear deal is really praiseworthy. It is purely on the basis of merit, in national interest and on global warming considerations. Nuclear power is environmentally friendlier as compared to coal-fired power plant.

If the government succeeds in clinching the deal, hats off to the government for the robust support for a good national cause. This also will wipe-out Left Parties from the national scene once for all.

Last push to Indo-US nuclear deal

Prime Minister of India is seeking Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi’s intervention to give a last push to the Indo-US nuclear deal in the face of Left parties stiff criticism. Left parties have decided to oppose any steps to operationalize the deal. The talks, on the deal with the Left parties are now rescheduled to June 25, 2008.

Though the deal is yet to be ratified by the US congress, the US government is still very keen in going for the deal and says: “India needs to make some tough choices”.

On it’s part, the US could have done much more than just putting the ball in India’s court. The US should take the India’s IAEA safeguards accord in its final form and prevail upon the NSG cartel to exempt India from the applicable conditions. The way US managed its other friendly non-NPT nation like Israel, the US should get the Congress approval (in-spite of Hyde Act stipulations), may be with some manageable or adjustable conditions, and present the final deal to the Indian government. It should be remembered that the deal is also going to aid US commercial interests in a big way.

Under such situations, may be, the Indian government be able to get consensus with the other political partners and may even risk the withdrawal of support from some parties and go for the deal. The condition should be: To acquire the same benefits and advantages as other leading countries with advance nuclear technology.

On Indian part, for any near-term enhancement in nuclear power contribution, India needs uranium from the NSG countries. If the deal is not coming through, it will be a big loss for India in its huge investments in the nuclear power plants and a bigger loss for Nuclear Power in general (IAEA to take note), since India has very ambitious nuclear power programs in the future.

Finland’s "nuclear" Pride

World’s largest nuclear reactor is built on Finland’s western coast with an Indian designed turbine hall. As reported in TOI, this is the third reactor in Finland and going to produce 1,600 MW of electricity, when completed by 2011. The reactor will add to the nuclear power component of Finland’s available energy supply to 38% by 2020.

The site has become a tourist attraction which shows how safety of the 6,000 residents in the vicinity is ensured through design. Over 20,000 tourists are visiting the site every year. The public acceptance is ensured by crash-proof structure to negate any fear from terrorist activities and planned safe disposal of radioactive waste in deep stable 3-billion year-old bedrock.

The country has shown to the world as to how to answer the rising oil prices and how to meet increasing energy requirements without polluting the environment. The built-in safety features in the Finnish model is the answer to all the controversies with respect to the safety of the waste disposal and the public perception or belief of presence of enhanced radiation levels at nuclear reactor sites.

Uranium resources can last for another 100 years!

Nuclear power becomes a more relevant option in view of the potential of other cheaper options for greenhouse gas emissions. A new report (Uranium-2007) released recently finds that new discoveries and re-evaluations of known conventional uranium resources will be adequate to supply nuclear energy needs for at least 100 years at the present consumption level. Growing demand for nuclear power in developing countries such as India, China, Korea, Japan and the Russian Federation, and higher prices have spurred greater investment in exploration, and led to larger identified conventional uranium resources over the past two years. Projections for 2030 indicate a range of expected growth in demand from a low estimate of 38% to a high case of roughly 78%!

As per the estimate reported, the identified amount of conventional uranium resources which can be mined for less than US$130/kg to be about 5.5 million tonnes, up from the 4.7 million tonnes reported in 2005. Undiscovered resources, i.e. uranium deposits that can be expected to be found based on the geological characteristics of already discovered resources, have also risen to 10.5 million tonnes. The increases are due to both new discoveries and re-evaluations of known resources.

In contrast to some other energy resources such as oil, the geographical distribution of uranium resources remain quite varied. Currently, uranium is mined in 20 countries, with Iran being the latest entrant. Canada and Australia currently account for 44% of global uranium production, and other top uranium producers are Kazakhstan (13%), Niger (9%), Russian Federation (8%), Namibia (8%), Uzbekistan (6%), and the United States (5%).

Scientists celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Pokhran-II

May 11 marked the 10th anniversary of the Pokhran nuclear weapons tests. The celebrations were at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai. Former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was the Chief Guest on the occasion. It was time to rejoice the memories of the successful nuclear tests at Pokhran on May 11 and 13, 1998. Former Chiefs of Atomic Energy were present on the occasion. Just to remind the readers, India’s first successful nuke test was on May 18, 1974 at Pokhran on a Buddha Purnima Day. The celebration of the Pokhran day perhaps indicates that the option of nuclear tests, particularly hydrogen bomb tests (as suggested by one of the former AEC Chiefs) is still alive.

The capability of India in this field is now well established and India need not prove this to other countries. As per the present AEC Chairman, a moratorium was declared by the government in view of the fact that the tests of Pokhran II have generated enough data and a lot of advances had been made in simulation technology.

In view of the constraints of the on-going Indo-US nuclear deal deliberations, the option of nuclear tests in the future should not be surrendered. India needs to continue the nuclear-confidence building measures keeping China’s threat in mind. India should build up enough capabilities to deter a nuclear attack on its commercial and strategic assets. The recent successful launch of Agni III is in the right direction. India, due to acute shortage of uranium for its nuclear power reactors, needs US support for fuel, as a short term measure. In the long term, US may need India’s support in sustaining nuclear power worldwide via thorium fuel cycle capabilities.

Indo-US nuclear deal in deep freeze?

The stalled Indo-US nuclear deal is more of a problem of politics. It is reported that the safeguards agreement with the IAEA is yet to be finalized. The UPA government seems to be yielding to the pressure from Left parties. It is unfortunate that India could still remain in nuclear isolation from the 35 member Nuclear Suppliers Group.

India is one of the very few countries which has mastered all the nuclear fuel cycle operations, starting from mining for uranium to reactor operations, waste management and recycle the un-spent uranium, or the by-product plutonium as fuel in breeder reactors or thorium fuel cycle operations. The nuclear-fuel bank, as a part of the US-sponsored Global Nuclear Energy Partnership proposed by the IAEA Chief, Mohammed El Baradei in the year 2006 is much relevance to India once the nuclear deal is through.

The changed political scenario in our neighboring country is of great concern. National security is of prime concern rather than yielding to the political blackmail by the left parties. Pakistan’s new government, after assuming the office last, test-fires nuke-missiles, Shaheen-ll with a reach of 2,000 km. It is capable of hitting targets deep inside the country. Any deal should take into consideration the security requirements of the country before finally operationalising it. India should never give-up its rights to have nuclear tests as and when it is required.

Radioactivity release in Spain

A small amount of radioactive metal particles were escaped from the nuclear fuel building of Ascó's (Spain) first pressurized water reactor (NPP) unit through ventilation ducts and were detected by nearby monitors on 4 April 2008. It is reported that 95% of the particles were deposited close to the point of emission.

A study into the root cause of the incident and its sequence of events has now been concluded. Results of laboratory measurements released today indicate that the total activity of the discharged particles was 0.0023 curies (84.95 MBq).

CSN said that the emission has been insignificant and radiological impact of the release 'remains very low', below the legal dose limit for plant workers. There was no effect, off site. Internal monitoring showed 'no evidence in any case of incorporation of radioactive material'. The incident has been classified at Level 2 on the International Nuclear Event Scale (INES) by the country's nuclear regulator (CSN).

Gas leak in Pakistan nuke complex kills two

A gas leak at the heavy water research reactor complex at Khushab in Punjab on Tuesday killed two workers but there was no threat to the public as the situation was immediately brought under control, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) authorities said. The government clarified that the explosion occurred in the Heavy Water Plant and not in the nuclear plant. The leak occurred at province at 2.30 pm (local time). It was immediately evacuated. However, two workers lost their lives while controlling the incident. The leak was controlled by the plant's safety and fire protection division.

The PAEC said orders had been issued for an inquiry to find out the causes of the incident. The Khushab plant, built with Chinese assistance, is reported to be not under IAEA safeguards. The reactor had been shut down for annual maintenance.

Indo-US deal is in India’s interest

It is now a well known fact that India has short-supply of uranium for its existing nuclear power reactors which use uranium as the fuel. The Nuclear Power Corporation has openly declared that due to the shortage of uranium the existing reactors are working at 50% of their capacities. India’s third stage of nuclear power program envisages the thorium-bred U-233 reactors. Of course, India has plenty of thorium on its vast sea-shorelines in the south. Even for these proposed third-stage reactors, India needs plutonium, which is an important by-product in the uranium-fueled reactors. Plutonium is also required for strategic applications.

India needs satisfactory completion of the on-going nuclear deal with the US. India gets uranium in plenty and may be cheaper than the home production. The existing reactors will work at full capacity, will have enough plutonium for future reactors and will be able to get the necessary hi-tech components from the international market. Global warming scenario is also supporting clean and green nuclear power.

Irrespective of the government at the centre (UPA or NDA), India should be able to generate at least 10% of the total power generated through nuclear route by 2020. That will be the greatest achievement of the Indian nuclear Industry and a great tribute to Homi Bhabha. Looks like a tall order!

Is nuclear energy toxic?

This is in response to an article entitled “Nuclear energy is toxic” appeared in one of the popular newspapers in India recently.

1. To begin with, the title itself is not correct. There is nothing toxic about any energy, by any definitions. As the old saying goes, half knowledge is more dangerous than lack of knowledge.
2. Operation of any electricity generating systems generates waste products or by-products of different kinds. Nothing special about nuclear energy. In the nuclear reactors, in addition to the fission product waste, small amount of plutonium is also generated by one of the nuclear reactions. This plutonium is toxic and is handled only in leak-tight containment systems. The material is very useful as a reactor fuel and also can be used in nuclear weapons.
3. Nuclear weapon technology is different than nuclear power technology. Nuclear reactors can not explode like a nuclear bomb.
4. By operating nuclear reactors, fission reaction takes place in the nuclear fuel. Generally nuclear fuel can be uranium, enriched uranium or plutonium or combination of uranium and plutonium. The fission reactions generate heat in the fuel and this heat is taken out using coolant system designed around the fuel to produce steam to run the turbines and produce electricity.
5. The so-called control rods are used to control the chain reaction by absorbing excess neutrons released in the fuel system.
6. Unlike other thermal power plants, nuclear reactors release very low levels of radioactivity and all the releases are accounted for and well controlled by regulatory authorities.
7. Regarding the carcinogenic part of plutonium, there are hundreds of carcinogenic chemicals in the environment, at levels much higher than the permissible limits. The most common carcinogenic materials to which we are exposed are: cigarette smoke, alcohol, silica dust and automobile exhausts. Plutonium release from nuclear facilities is virtually ruled out during normal operations.
8. One should also remember that cancer is an old age disease, and is seen after a long latent period of over 30 years. The background radiation for which we are all exposed also can also cancer. Threshold is not assumed for any carcinogens as a matter of abundant caution.
9. Unlike in fossil fuel based power plants, the nuclear waste generated in nuclear power plants is small in quantity, and hence easily manageable. Indian nuclear establishments are currently using the well-established waste management technology to vitrify the radioactive waste and store it safely in well-designed facilities for any number of years without contaminating the environment.
10. Nuclear technology is not only American patent. India, over the years has mastered all aspects of the nuclear technology and is one of the world leaders in this hi-tech industry.

For more info see: www.radsafetyinfo.com

International Atomic Energy Agency’s Nuclear Dilemma

The History of nuclear beginning – destructive horror of nuclear weapon demonstrated in 1945 over Japan) – is very painful and can not be forgotten. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was created, in the spirit of “Atoms for Peace” in the year 1957 under the shadow of cold war between the then USSR and USA. The IAEA is the intergovernmental organization within the United Nations system and it contributes to global peace, development, and security in essential ways – helping to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, and fostering safe, secure and peaceful uses of beneficial nuclear technologies for human development. Eighteen ratifications were required to bring the IAEA’s Statute into force. India was one of the countries which contributed for the cause. The total membership as of March 2007 stands at 144. The IAEA programs are managed by the 35-member Board of Governors and the General Conference of all the member countries. In short, the IAEA is the hub for all national, regional and international cooperation in the nuclear activities.

Its mission is to manage the nuclear dilemma. As regards to its nuclear-weapon related part of the mission, the IAEA, through negotiations could come out with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to benefit the countries with the access to peaceful nuclear technology with a condition that the benefited country will not develop nuclear weapons. Claiming the Treaty is discriminatory, three countries, viz., India, Pakistan and Israel have not signed the Treaty. North Korea signed earlier and the withdrawn from the Treaty in 2003.

Broadly, the IAEA covers the three main aspects of its mission: Atoms for Peace.

i) Safeguards and Verification: Forging safeguards agreements with the countries for inspection of peaceful nature of nuclear materials and activities,
ii) Safety and security: Establishment of safety related documents, and help the countries to apply the same, and
iii) Science and Technology: Provide technical and research support for nuclear applications in health, agriculture, energy, environment and other allied fields.
India has been a very responsible country which pursued peaceful applications in almost all the spheres, including nuclear power and healthcare. It also contributed significantly, nationally and internationally, for the IAEA’s mission – Atoms for Peace. At present, India is in dialogue with the IAEA with respect to the country-specific safeguards (since India is not a NPT signatory) as the prerequisite for operationalising the Indo-US nuclear deal.

Indo-US nuclear deal – Prospects

If the UPA Government at New Delhi wants to continue till its full term, it has to abandon the deal as insisted by the Left parties supporting the government. It is reported that considerable progress has been made on the India specific safeguards after the 5th meeting at Vienna. India is looking for an exemption so that the country can approach the NSG member countries for nuclear fuel and the technology. It is reported in the press that a former foreign secretary, Shyam Saran is appointed as PM’s special envoy to deal with the two sensitive issues, i.e., climate change and nuclear deal with the NSG member countries. It is highlighted that India and the other countries which are worried about the climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions, that nuclear power option is the environmentally clean option to prevent India from going for more and more fossil fuel based power plants. Of course, India needs power from all possible resources.

The options seem to be: either to negotiate the deal with the minority government if Left parties withdraw the support for the UPA government or wait and be ready to renegotiate with the Democrat administration after it takes over the White House.

According to the Chairman, AEC, India, the outcome of the IAEA talks should favor India with respect to its requirements, and it should be satisfactory to both the sides.

Nuclear Forensics

Frequent reports of illicit trafficking in nuclear and other radioactive material demonstrate the global dimensions of the problem and the importance of building up systems to detect and prevent such undesirable incidents. Nuclear forensics – described also as "fingerprinting" nuclear and radiological material” – was born in the shadow of the cold war to detect nuclear smuggling. Since then, nuclear forensics has been contributing increasingly in the global efforts to prevent the illegal smuggling and trafficking of radiological and nuclear materials, which have potential for application in nuclear terrorism.

The materials confiscated are generally intended: for industrial and medical use, for nuclear fuel cycle operations, in dangerous weapons-usable nuclear materials such as plutonium and highly enriched uranium and for use as an additive in conventional explosives (Radiological Dispersal Devices, RDDs or dirty bombs). A major focus of nuclear forensics is identifying specific signatures, which are the physical, chemical, and isotopic characteristics that distinguish one nuclear or radiological material from another. Members of public need to be made aware of such possibilities to avoid panic under such situations.

The technique draws upon sophisticated instruments and methods to analyze the nature, use, and origin of the materials. Well established techniques are now available for detection and measurement of radioactivity in low levels. Analytical methods employed include electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, mass spectrometry, gamma and alpha spectrometry and low-level radioactivity measurements systems.

The report of such an analysis of the seized materials is used as evidence by law enforcement agencies for prosecution of criminal cases. Nuclear forensics and attribution go beyond determining the physical, chemical, and isotopic characteristics of intercepted nuclear or radiological materials. The authorities need to know the points of origin of the materials, routes of transit and the final intended destination.

The common nuclear material intercepted is uranium concentrate (yellow cake). The yellow cake is the product from uranium mining/milling operations, and the uranium involved is generally of natural origin, which is considerably less hazardous (of low specific activity) than the uranium from the enrichment cycle. Alternatively, other materials involved in such illicit trafficking could well be commercial radioactive source materials such as cesium-137, strontium-90, cobalt-60, or americium-241. These isotopes are used in applications such as medical diagnostics, nondestructive analysis, food sterilization, and thermoelectric generators.

Expertize in the field of nuclear forensics is available in national atomic energy establishments and with international oragnizations such as International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vienna.

India in Nuclear-Submarine Club

India is going to be the sixth member of the elite and exclusive Nuclear Submarine Club consisting of Russia, US, China, France and UK. The nuclear strike weapon system, called Submarine Launched Ballastic Missiles (SLBM) is India’s own and is ready for the final test (as reported by DRDO Chief in The Times of India). The missile has a test range of 700 km. There is a scope for increasing the range to 1500km.

The weapon system will be integrated with the mother ship (indigenous nuclear-powered submarine). The nuclear submarines (3 nos) are being built under the project “Advanced Technology Vessel” (ATV).

However, unlike Pakistan and China, India has a declared doctrine of “no first use” of nuclear weapons. Every Indian will be proud of this national strategic development irrespective of the long delay in the project.

Indo-US Nuclear deal

With the left parties in the Indian government changing their views on nuclear deal on daily basis, it is now doubtful whether the deal will finally come through or not. Time is the deciding factor since the fate of both the governments in USA and in India lasting beyond their present term is in doubt. The issue of India-specific safeguards with IAEA needs to be finalized (5th round of talks just started) to obtain a green signal from the 45-member Nuclear Suppliers Group for operationalising the deal.

How the new contenders to occupy the White House view India is not very clear. Senator Hillary Clinton may be unpredictable. Barack Obama remains a strong opponent of ending nuclear sanctions against India. He may call for redrafting the whole nuclear pact and try to curb nuclear independence in issues such as nuclear tests and reprocessing of the spent fuel from the reactors. However, the Republican Party candidate McCain may continue to support the nuclear deal if elected.

It is now or never says David Mulford, US Ambassador. The Indian high profile Ambassdor to the US, Rohen Sen also reported to have got one-year extension indicating that the present UPA government in India hasn't given up hopes on the nuclear deal.

Hence, the best option is to push the nuclear deal through before President Bush steps down. He is the best supporter of India. This is the opportunity for India to get out of the nuclear isolation India has faced for over three decades. Countries such as Russia and France will be too willing to support India by ending the nuclear sanctions once the US-India deal comes through. India also will have so many choices to get its nuclear supplies. For strategic reasons, China may oppose the deal as is evident from the opposition faced by the ruling government by the Left parties for operationalising the nuclear deal.