NUCLEAR ISSUES

Aftermath of Indo-US nuclear deal

2011-11-16T03:20:00.000-08:00

The deal virtually lifted the de-facto international ban on the trade of nuclear materials and equipments related with the nuclear industry. The deal and other related agreements were signed in October 2008. However, nothing much has changed in the Indian nuclear scenario.

India is still unable to buy nuclear fuel from nuclear material abundant countries like Australia. Indian nuclear facilities are not able to buy nuclear related equipments, monitoring instruments and systems from western countries.

Now, in a major breakthrough it is reported that US has permitted US firms to collaborate with Indian companies to manufacture nuclear related components. Even Australia which till now reluctant to sell uranium to India, is willing to sell uranium to boost its economy! Good for India, because price of uranium has fallen from $140 (2007) to $50 a pound after the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

The developments will help the seller countries to boost their sagging economies, and for India to buy the uranium fuel for the reactors and much needed equipments for the safe operation of nuclear fuel cycle facilities.

Tritium exposure - Kalpakkam

2011-10-17T07:39:00.000-07:00

This has reference to the news item in the Times of India dt. 17 October, 2011: “Staff exposed to nuclear radiation – Tritium risk for some Kalpakkam workers”.

The news item states that some workers are exposed to nuclear radiation above permissible levels.

By going by the report, none was exposed to doses above permissible. Exposure to Investigation Levels which are 3/10th of the permissible levels is not an issue at all. In fact, tritium is the least radiotoxic radioisotope and hence least harmful. As a matter of abundant precaution, these levels of exposures are also investigated and corrective actions taken.

It is unfair to the nuclear industry to misquote the report and raise hue and cry on this normal exposure situation in any nuclear reactor.

Suppression of experimental evidence against LNT

2011-10-01T06:26:00.000-07:00

This has reference to the article “Will the LNT Controversy ever be solved?” appeared in the July issue of the Express Healthcare. The following information appeared in HINDU (dated 22nd Sept. 2011) supports the view expressed in the article.

American geneticist Hermann J. Muller was awarded the 1946 Nobel Prize in medicine for his discovery that X-rays induce genetic mutations. In his Nobel Prize Lecture of December 12, 1946, Muller argued that the dose–response for radiation-induced germ cell mutations was linear and that there was “no escape from the conclusion that there is no threshold”. Muller and Curt Stern (the other geneticist) had done many of the key experiments. The fruit fly germ cell mutations experimental results at the University of Rochester failed to support the linear dose-response model at low exposure levels. However, in Muller's speech, he insisted there was "no escape from the conclusion that there is no threshold." Stern raised no objection. It is reported that the two successfully suppressed last-minute evidence against the LNT from the fruit fly experiments.

According to the Edward J. Calabrese, a Professor of Toxicology at the University of Massachusetts, School of Public Health, Amherst, uncovered the correspondence between Muller and Stern. He said, Muller’s decision not to mention the key scientific evidence against his position has had a far-reaching impact on our approach to regulating radiation and chemical exposure. In fact, Calabrese’s career research shows that low doses of some chemicals and radiation are benign or even helpful.

Within a year, National Academy of Sciences (NAS) was forced to accept the linear model for gonadal mutations, the practice was extrapolated to somatic cells and cancer. Twenty years later, NAS adopted the linear approach for chemicals. Soon thereafter, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it would use the linear model for risk assessment. The International Commission of Radiological protection also assumed the LNT as the basis for giving the recommendations for radiological protection.

If the truth was to be told, probably the nuclear industry could have drastically different exposure standards today, and far less fear about exposures to radiation. The resources, world-wide, spent on over-protection could have been better spent on healthcare in under-developed countries.

Annual average global human exposure to radiation

2011-09-10T04:31:00.000-07:00

Radiation is a fact of life. The background radiation (cosmic radiation from space, radiation emitted from the natural radioactive elements present in soil/rocks, like uranium and thorium) contributes significantly to the total population dose. Totally, they contribute about 79 % of the annual average global human exposure to radiation. Out of remaining 21%, 20% is contributed from medical exposures from X-rays and scans and only 1% from all other man-made radiation sources, including nuclear power.

In India, major part (over 98%) of the average annual human exposure is from natural sources, about 1.93% from medical exposures and only about 0.37% from man-made sources. The large difference in medical exposures in the global average and Indian values, is due to enhanced medical care provided in developed countries as compared to India. More scans – more dose.

This information should be made available to the public so that risk from man-made sources is seen in proper perspective. Any activity or industry, which give more benefit than risk are easily accepted by the public. Transparency is the key to public acceptance.

Why pick on nuclear power?

2011-04-05T02:09:00.000-07:00

Over the last 4 decades, 150 fatalities reported due to radiation exposures. Compared to this, millions and millions of people world-wide are dying on the roads, other industrial accidents, natural calamities, tobacco, pollution, diseases lie AIDS, TB and hunger. On the cigarette pack, it is clearly written that “Tobacco causes caner” or “Tobacco kills”, but still consumption of tobacco is increasing!

Why pick on nuclear? Let media be educated first! The Tsunami which killed thousands is forgotten and the nuclear leak in Fukushima plant in Japan, which may cause some harm to exposed people after 10 to 20 years is making front-page news and breaking news day-after-day! Why? Why people can not see the risks and benefits in proper perspective?

One good reason I can think of is lack of awareness about the radiation, its hazard and benefits amongst the general public, the media, politicians and bureaucrats. Even the so-called well-educated people lack the awareness about radiation. The explosions of the two Atom Bombs over Japan in 1945 have made very bad impact on the perception of anything nuclear in the minds of people. Governments, world-over are simply not able to convince the public about the need of accepting nuclear energy, without any bias, for the benefits in the areas of medicine, industry for power production and agriculture. Definitely, we need nuclear power which is clean and safer than other options.

Stable iodine prophylaxis

2011-03-29T22:46:00.000-07:00

Despite rigorous safety systems in a nuclear reactor, there remains a finite probability that an accident can occur that can lead to the fuel in the core overheating or melting. If such an event were to occur, there is a chance that radioactive fission products may be released to the environment. The potential radiation exposure of the population will be influenced by many parameters such as: the amounts of the radionuclides released, the meteorological conditions affecting the dispersion and deposition of the released radioactive material, human and environmental factors and the effectiveness of any protective actions taken.

Isotopes of iodine particularly I-131, is likely to be important components of the release from a severe accident. Radioactive iodines can give rise to both external exposure and internal exposure (from inhalation and ingestion). Stable iodine prophylaxis is a protective action, for which preparedness arrangements can be made as part of the overall emergency response plan. This step can protect specifically against internal exposure from inhalation, and ingestion of radioiodines by consumption of I-131 contaminated milk/milk products. It should be noted that the term “iodine prophylaxis” refers to the blocking of the uptake of radioiodine by the thyroid gland after nuclear accidents.

The selective and rapid concentration and storage of radioactive iodine in the thyroid gland results in internal radiation exposure of the thyroid, Deterministic effects from thyroid exposure are hypothyroidism and acute thyroiditis. Stochastic effects from thyroid exposure are thyroid cancer and benign thyroid nodules.

As per the WHO document on iodine prophylaxis (update-1999), it recommended that in the management of nuclear reactor accidents, stable iodine prophylaxis for children up to the age of 18 years and for pregnant and lactating women be considered at 10 mGy dose, that is 1/10th of the generic intervention level dose of 100mGy for adults recommended in the IAEA International Basic Safety Standards for Protection against Ionizing Radiation.

The recommended single dosage of stable iodine for prompt administration for adults over 12 years is 130 mg of KI or 170 mg of KIO3, for children (3 to 12 years), the dose recommended is 65mg of KI and 85mg KIO3 and for infants (1 month to 3 years) the dose is 32 mg of KI and 42 mg of KIO3.

Loss-of-Coolant Accident (LOCA) – Nuclear reactors

2011-03-28T05:20:00.000-07:00

A loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) is a mode of failure for a nuclear reactor. If not managed properly and effectively, the results of a LOCA could result in reactor core damage. In every nuclear reactor, a separate Emergency Core Cooling System (ECCS) exists specifically to deal with the situation like LOCA.

Nuclear reactors generate heat internally in the fuel by the fission reaction, neutron with a fissile material uranium-235. This heat is removed by a coolant system to produce steam and is converted into useful electrical power. If this coolant flow is reduced, or lost altogether, the nuclear reactor's emergency shutdown system is designed to stop the fission chain reaction automatically. However, even after reactor shut down, due to radioactive decay of the fission products, the nuclear fuel will continue to generate a significant amount of heat. This decay heat needs to be taken out through secondary cooling system to maintain integrity of the fuel. If all of the independent cooling systems of the ECCS fail to operate as designed due to some reason such as failure of the pumps, this heat can increase the fuel temperature to the point of damaging the fuel and the reactor.

Damage to the reactor containment will result in the radioactive releases from the reactors. Iodine-131 and Xe-133 have half life of 8 days and 5.2 days and hence are detected in the environment in such situations. Depending upon the wind direction and speed, the radioactive isotopes will travel in dispersed form to large distances.

ICRP Publication 111, 2009

2011-03-07T01:50:00.000-08:00

In this document, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) provides guidance on “Application of the Commission's Recommendations to the Protection of People Living in Long-term Contaminated Areas after a Nuclear Accident or a Radiation Emergency” for the protection of the people considering effects of: the pathways of human exposure, the types of exposed populations, and the characteristics of exposures. Although, the focus is on radiation protection considerations, the report also recognizes the complexity of post-accident situations, which cannot be managed without addressing all the affected domains of daily life, i.e. environmental, health, economic, social, psychological, cultural, ethical, political, etc. The report explains how the ICRP-103 (2007) Recommendations apply to this type of existing exposure situation, including consideration of the justification and optimization of protection strategies, and the introduction and application of a reference level to drive the optimization process.

The report also considers practical aspects of the implementation of protection strategies, both by authorities and the affected population. The role of radiation monitoring, health surveillance and the management of contaminated foodstuffs and other commodities is described. The Annex summarizes past experience of long term contaminated areas resulting from radiation emergencies and nuclear accidents, including radiological criteria followed in carrying out remediation measures (Extracted for the ICRP site).

Is India prepared for radiological emergency?

2011-02-10T01:30:00.000-08:00

Political situation in Pakistan is very fluid and the terrorist organizations/extremists have stepped up calls for Jihad against India. It is possible that they may even be in position to get their hands on the nuclear weapons in Pakistan and this is going to be matter of deep concern for the security of India. The organizations threaten nuclear war for Kashmir.

In any case, even if nuclear weapons are not used, there is good possibility the use of a radiological dispersion device (RDD) or “dirty” bomb. This is a conventional explosive wrapped in radiological material. Terrorists may use an RDD to disperse radioactive material across a populated area, causing casualties, economic damage and panic. A mere presence of radioactive contamination will create full-blown media coverage and the nuclear program envisaged for the benefit of the country will be in jeopardy.

Is India prepared for such an eventuality, called radiological emergency in any part of the country in terms of trained man power, equipment and logistics?

The Jaitapur nuclear project is courting too many risks

2010-12-20T02:53:00.000-08:00

An article on Jaitapur nuclear project, published in one of the leading news papers in India today seems to be misleading the common man who is not aware of the radiation risks and nuclear power reactor safety. The project is not courting too many risks. The article shows the lack of in-depth knowledge of the writer on the subject.

It is very difficult to comprehend the real reasons for someone to delay the project causing avoidable delays in starting and completion of India’s infrastructure projects. India needs power for its development. Nuclear is undoubtedly the cleaner power as compared to coal and gas.

There are insignificant numbers of fatalities reported from incidents/accidents in nuclear reactors! There is absolutely no justification for over-protection. Today, any major power project or other infrastructure projects commonly consider and provide for seismicity, floods and terrorist activities while designing the plants/projects. Safe management, including transport of radioactive waste is well established and regulated rigorously in Indian nuclear facilities. France is one of the countries which believed strongly in the use of nuclear as the major contributor for their power requirements. They are the masters in the technology. There is some risk of using any technology for the development. Only ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks.

In a rough estimate, about 20 to 30% of the total projects cost goes for safety related systems to ensure safe operations of nuclear reactors. Just imagine how much money is spent to save a single life? Is it justified?

See this in comparison with the figure of 1,96,000 people in India were killed in road accidents alone in 2007 (WHO figures)! Let us not oppose infra projects just for opposing or for political gains.

Environmental clearance for Jaitapur Site

2010-11-29T01:53:00.000-08:00

For the proposed ambitious power projects which are being planed at Jaitapur, Maharashtra to generate around 33,000 MW of power mix (nuclear share is 9,900 MW), green nod has come from the Ministry of Environment, Indian government. The ministry has stipulated conditions to ensure preservation of the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats. All other new power plants coming up in the coastal area coal-based and burning of the fusil fuel is going to generate Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. Locally, the temperatures in the water body is also going to rise unless a good heat/hot water recycling system is thought about, and discharges from the plants are well-controlled by the authorities.

It is stated that the nuclear power plants are environmental friendly and with enforcement of strict regulation can be the ideal choice for production of “clean” electricity. In view of this, why not the Jaitapur site is kept reserved for only nuclear power rather than mixing the coal-based plants with nuclear plants at the same site?

IAEA Board of Governors Elects New Chairman

2010-10-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

The IAEA Board of Governors has elected Mr. Ansar Parvez, as its Chairman for 2010-2011 (one year mandate) at Vienna. Mr. Parvez is also serving as the Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission.

The Ambassadors and Resident Representatives of Denmark and Ukraine were also elected as Vice-Chairmen. They are Mr. John Hartmann Bernhard, Governor for Denmark, and Ms. Olena Mykolaichuk, Governor for Ukraine.

Eleven countries were elected last week to serve on the 35-member IAEA Board of Governors for the two-year period 2010-2012. The action was taken by Member States meeting at the IAEA General Conference in Vienna. The newly elected Board members are Belgium, the Czech Republic, Chile, Ecuador, Italy, Jordan, Niger, Portugal, Singapore, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates.

Other Member States represented on the IAEA Board during 2010-2011 are Argentina, Australia, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Japan, Kenya, the Republic of Korea, Mongolia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Peru, Russian Federation, South Africa, Ukraine, the UK, the USA and Venezuela (IAEA News).

Naturally occurring radioactive element - Polonium-210

2010-09-09T04:14:00.000-07:00

Polonium was discovered by Marie Sklodowska-Curie and Pierre Curie in 1898 and was named after Marie´s native land of Poland (Latin: Polonia). This element was the first one discovered by them while they were investigating the cause of radioactivity in pitchblende. Polonium-210 (Po-210) is a radioactive element that occurs naturally and is present in the environment at extremely low concentrations. Po-210 has a half-life of 138 days. It decays to stable lead-206 by emitting alpha particle.

Po-210 is produced during the decay of naturally occurring uranium-238 and hence is widely distributed in small amounts in the earth´s crust. Uranium ores contain less than 0.1 mg Po-210 per ton. In the environment, Po-210 is produced from the decay of Radon-222 gas. Although direct root uptake by plants is generally small, Po-210 can be deposited on broad-leaved vegetables. Deposition from the atmosphere on tobacco leaves results in elevated concentrations of Po-210 in tobacco smoke. There are tiny amounts of Po-210 in our bodies. Po-210 can be produced artificially in nuclear reactors by irradiating stable bismuth-209.

Po-210 is used in neutron sources (where it is mixed or alloyed with beryllium). It is also used in devices that eliminate static electricity in machinery where it can be caused by processes such as paper rolling, manufacturing sheet plastics, and spinning synthetic fibres. Static eliminators typically contain from one to tens of GBq of radioactivity. One should ensure physical security of these sources to prevent its misuse.

Due to the alpha decay, the energy released from one gram is 140 watts, and a capsule containing about half a gram will spontaneously reach a temperature of 500°C. As a result it has been used as a lightweight heat source to power thermoelectric cells in satellites and short-term space missions. It is a fairly volatile (50% is vaporized in air in 45 hours at 55°C) silvery-grey soft metal.
Po-210 is highly radioactive and chemically toxic element. As an alpha-emitter Po-210 represents a radiation hazard only if taken into the body. Direct damage occurs from energy absorption into tissues from alpha particles. It is not an external hazard.

Po-210 can enter the body through eating and drinking of contaminated food, breathing contaminated air or through a wound. The biological half-time is approximately 50 days. If taken into the body, Po-210 is subsequently excreted, mostly through faeces but some is excreted through urine and other pathways.

Ethical aspects of radiation protection

2010-07-16T00:18:00.000-07:00

Radiation protection is the professional field that deals with the protection of humans and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation. Ethical aspects of radiation protection are not much talked or discussed about openly. In fact, implementation of the principles of radiological protection i.e., justification, optimization and dose limitation should be subjected to and based on ethical considerations.

The very principles of radiation protection are based on the assumption that probability of stochastic effect like cancer induction is linearly proportional to dose without any threshold. This theory for low level exposure scenario is not based on sound human data but based on animal experiments. Now, whether it is ethically correct to apply this to humans?

In general, justification is a decision taken at government level (ex. Nuclear power) or by the doctors who recommend procedures involving radiation exposures, such as X-ray/CT scans. In the first case, risks and benefits are distributed unevenly over population groups. In the second case, can the un-necessary or possible over-exposures of patients in medical applications be ethically justified? How one can ethically justify exposures of temporary workers who are not under medical insurance or surveillance? Can some extra money compensate the risk of radiation exposures (risk to money trade-off)?

For optimization one needs the level of acceptable dose? Does this vary with the economic and social consideration of countries? Whether exposures exceeding dose limits, under any exposure scenarios, are ethically justified?

These ethical considerations are much more glaring in chemical, petrochemical and other industries where toxic chemicals, are routinely handled without much safety considerations. Comparatively, nuclear industry is better organized, regulated and safety record is quite satisfactory.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS)

2010-06-29T03:04:00.000-07:00

It is reported that the technology, CCS is of absorbing the greenhouse gas (CHG) CO2 in some matrix at the emission points and store the gas under or on the sea bed instead of discharging in to the atmosphere is an excellent idea from the global warming and climate change considerations. The emission points are the environmental discharge points of the power plants based on fossil fuel. Alternatively, it is reported that the gas can also be stored underground in vacant or disused natural gas fields.

Parallel can be seen in the underground disposal of radioactive wastes. Risk of leakages is similar in both the situations. In an event of any leakage of CO2 in the sea water, there will be a change the sea water acidity (increase) destroying the marine life. Hence, as in the case of radioactive waste, the disposal in the sea bed of the CO2 canisters should be banned internationally. The only alternative will be as in the case of high-level radioactive waste, the well-sealed CO2 canisters can be disposed off in stable and deep geological formations without much risk of any leakages reaching the environment.

Indian nuclear liability bill

2010-06-15T02:38:00.000-07:00

The nuclear liability bill, which seeks to cap the liability of foreign nuclear suppliers to a meager amount of Rupees 500 Crore in case of nuclear accidents, is in trouble in the Indian Parliament. Keeping in mind the comprehensive clean-up requirements in case of an accident, the actual liabilities may be over 1000 times more than the amount specified in the bill.

It means if things work out safely, the companies will sell nuclear materials and equipments and make money, and if some thing goes wrong, the Indian tax payers will have to bear the huge cost of cleaning up and take responsibility for the expensive medical management of the exposed population for long period of time.

Now that in the wake of the Bhopal gas tragedy verdict, it is very relevant that appropriate legislation with proper clauses should be in place to allow fastening of unlimited liability on the suppliers and operators of the plants who were responsible for disasters causing large scale area contamination and casualties to large number of persons. The laws should clearly address issues such as proper monetary compensation for the victims, pay for the clean-up of the contaminated areas and ensure installation of fail-safe safety systems to avoid major nuclear accidents.

One affected in “minor” contamination at BARC

2010-05-14T05:02:00.000-07:00

Feedback on the news item in the Times of India – Page 2 with a photograph on May 13, 2010

It only shows the ignorance of the media and the public about the radioactivity and radiation. Such a trivial occurrence of contamination inside a lab designed to handle such contaminated materials using appropriate protective measures is not a NEWS item at all to be published in an esteemed news paper like Times of India, unless you have other agenda. Such a precious space should not be wasted on such an insignificant item.

The personnel are well-trained to handle such contaminated materials. Every worker is supposed to monitor himself using the radiation or contamination monitors to ensure that his hands/clothing are not contaminated before he comes out of the laboratory. If he finds some contamination on his person, he has to wash and decontaminate himself.

This is the normal work procedure in any radioactive laboratory. The concerned department should go for a massive education and awareness programmes to sensitize the public with respect to radiation and its benefits.

Protecting Nuclear Facilities against Nature’s Fury

2010-05-03T04:50:00.000-07:00

In general, all the nuclear facilities are designed to withstand certain amount (?) of natural events such as earthquake, floods, rains, etc. Therefore, there has been a misconception since the early days that human error and mechanical failure are the major variables with higher risk of radiological releases to the environment. Nuclear power plants all over the world are exposed to natural hazards, such as hurricanes, floods, fires, tsunamis, volcanoes and earthquakes. The event in one country may cause damages in other neighboring country.

With safety always a key concern, engineers, safety specialists and architects also have to take the extreme natural forces into consideration while designing the plants. Mitigative measures are expected to be in place. When the earthquake hit the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Japan, four reactors shut down automatically. Water containing radioactive material was released into the sea. There was no adverse effect on human health or the environment. It was observed that the structure, systems and components that are important to safety were actually built robust enough to withstand the earthquake. However, it was noted that the plant´s design seismic hazard inputs were underestimated.

Subsequently, the IAEA has revised the existing set of safety standards on site selection and evaluation to analyze the impact of external hazards such as earthquake using the best available and updated knowledge.

There are further questions to be answered by the designers and regulators. The very first question is up to what level of the stated hazard one should accept as adequately safe design? What about the after-effects: such as of earthquake generated tsunami? One such disaster occurred in the Indian Ocean on the morning of Sunday, 26 December 2004. Over 200,000 people were killed. Can nuclear facilities built generally on the sea shores withstand such type of natural fury? How much safety in design? Is there any limit? Can we build economically viable SAFE nuclear facilities?

Nuclear disarmament – aftermath

2010-04-17T01:08:00.001-07:00

USA is going full bang on the nuclear disarmament initiative. There was Nuclear Posture Review and Nuclear Security Summit, which concluded recently. President Obama’s stated end goal is nuclear disarmament. As on today, in general, the countries possessing nuclear weapons are responsible countries and there seems to be not much threat from use of nuclear weapons. Threat is from the terror organizations, like Al-Qaeda which must be trying hard to get their hands on the fissile materials for possible nuclear terrorism.

Any disarmament efforts will generate millions of tons of plutonium - 90% above pure fissile material - generated from dismantling of the weapons. Security and safe storage of this material in such a large quantity is a herculean task and calls for financial implications in terms of billions of dollars. The material, even in kilogram quantities, can result in criticality incidents which will release bursts of fission energy and fission products with potential for environmental contamination.

Unless the nuclear weapons States find a way out to safe management of the fissile material and find use in the form of nuclear fuel for power generation, the actual disarmament should not be attempted. In view of the very long half life, thousands of years of Pu-239, just disposal in any form of the fissile material is unsafe and it is economically unsound. Countries have spent billions of dollars to produce such fissile materials.

Any fissile material stored in unsafe way has potential for theft by terror groups. It is wise to design reactors to use/recycle such weapon-grade fissile material for its peaceful applications.

Security of nuclear materials

2010-04-15T22:34:00.000-07:00

Security of fissile and radioactive materials is a requirement for global safety and it should be tackled on global basis. India seems to be doing its part in maintaining good record in nuclear security in the diversified use of radioactive substances in the country.

The country is planning to establish a state-of-the-art nuclear energy partnership centre to conduct proliferation resistant research and development in nuclear studies. The national facility will have four different schools to conduct research and development in: advanced nuclear energy system studies, nuclear security, radiation safety and application of radiation and radioisotopes in industry, medicine and agriculture. The R & D products are expected to be intrinsically safe, secure, proliferation resistant and sustainable. It is reported that the centre will be linked to IAEA research facilities.

It is good move provided you have right man power to head such an ambitious program and it should be established in a time-bound manner.

Indian nuclear liability bill

2010-03-09T01:06:00.000-08:00

The nuclear liability bill, which seeks to cap the liability of foreign companies to a meager Rs.500 Crore in case of nuclear accidents, is in trouble in the Indian Parliament. The actual liabilities may be over 100 times more than the amount specified in the bill. It means if things works out safely, the companies will sell power and make money, and if some thing goes wrong, the Indian tax payers will have to bear the huge cost of cleaning up and take care of the exposed population for long period of time.

However, It important that the bill is passed with some changes to start nuclear energy business in India by foreign companies.

Obama clears construction of nuclear plant in US

2010-02-18T04:19:00.000-08:00

After 30 years of moratorium on nuclear power plants in USA, President Obama cleared construction of two 1,100 MW nuclear reactors in America. The President said that the plants would reduce carbon pollution by 16 million tones per year. This is a good move by the Nobel Prize winner and would give a big boost to the nuclear industry world-over. His intension seems to reduce GHG emissions in the years to come. India and China also should ensure that use of fossil fuels for energy should be reduced to bare minimum.

There is some apprehension that the developed countries are not supporting whole-heartedly the development of renewable energy resources such as solar, wind and geo-thermal which will drastically reduce the emissions of Greenhouse gases. These hi-tech resources should be made available to the developing countries, at a discount so that future emission cut requirements do not come in the way of development in these countries.

Isotopes of Hydrogen – Tritium is radioactive substance

2010-02-15T03:24:00.000-08:00

Hydrogen (H) is the simplest atom (atomic number 1), is abundant, and has 1 protons and no neutrons. Two normal hydrogen atoms when combined with an oxygen atom create an ordinary (light) water molecule, or H2O. Every one knows about the uses of water.

Deuterium is another isotope of hydrogen with atomic mass of 2 (1 proton + 1 neutron). Unlike tritium, Deuterium is not radioactive. Two deuterium atoms combine with an oxygen atom to create Deuterium Oxide (D2O) or heavy water. Deuterium occurs naturally, for every 7,000 molecules of ordinary “light” water, there is one molecule of “heavy” water; approximately 100000 liters of ordinary water are needed to produce a single liter of pure heavy water. It is a very expensive procedure. India has mastered the heavy water production technology. Indian PHWR reactors use the heavy water (D2O) as the moderator and coolant.

Tritium is a radioactive form or isotope of hydrogen with atomic mass of 3 units (1 proton + 2 neutrons), with a radioactive half-life of 12.3 years and a biological half-life (the amount of time the body requires to excrete one half of the tritium absorbed) of about 10 days. Tritium decays to emit beta radiation of very low energy of 18.6 keV (kilo electron volt, maximum). The energy of tritium is not enough to penetrate human skin. Tritium is one of the least harmful radioactive substances. Comparatively, highly soluble Tritiated water is more harmful than tritium gas. The Annual Limit of Intake for tritiated water is 1 Giga Bq (Bq is the unit of activity; 1 Bq is the amount of radioactive material which decays at the rate of 1 disintegration per second). The decay product of tritium is 3He, an isotope of Helium, a non-radioactive noble gas.

Less than 1% of tritium occurs naturally (e.g. through the interaction of cosmic rays with molecules of certain elements in the upper atmosphere. Most of tritium is man made; fallout from thermonuclear weapons testing, begun in the 1940s, is a source of tritium in the global environment; nuclear power reactors, particularly of Indian type (PHWRs), are also a large source of tritium. Deuterium atom absorbs one more neutron in the nuclear reactor to form Tritium.

Tritium is used commercially as a light source in flares, emergency lights, exit signs and luminous dials (watches and clocks); tritium is also an essential fuel for experimental nuclear “fusion” and has been used for nuclear weapons production.

Indian Nuclear Liability Bill

2010-02-13T04:25:00.000-08:00

The Indian Cabinet has cleared the above Bill and it is on the way through Rajya Sabha. The Bill is of considerable interest for American business in Indian nuclear power sector. The clearance of the Bill is also essential for any nuclear commerce with the countries of Nuclear Supplier’s Group. As of now, it looks as if US business in Indian nuclear sector is far behind Russia and France.

The importance content of the Bill is that it provides a cap of 2,500 Crore by way of damages in the event of any nuclear related accident occurring in India, and the government will facilitate the compensation through Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). The responsibility for paying the damages will be on the operator of the reactor rather than on the supplier and builder of the reactor. This clause will enable the Nuclear Suppliers Group nations to get away without any responsibility for the accident and without paying anything! The probability of such incidents/accidents occurring is now considerably increased in view of the enhanced terrorist activities around the globe.

In should known that Rs.2500 Cr liability is just nothing to compensate for the property loss, for the management of the exposed personnel (both occupational and public) and implementation of very expensive decontamination procedures of large contaminated areas around the site. The liability needs to be enhanced by 10 times.

“Nuclear” dirty-linen washing is over

2010-02-02T00:31:00.000-08:00

It is silence now in the controversy about the test yield of thermonuclear device in 1998 by India. K Santhanam, a long-retired DRDO scientist has finally achieved what he wanted by ensuring Anil Kakodkar is retired from the post of Chairman, AEC, with a distinguished record of achieving so many “firsts” in Indian nuclear scenario.

However, it is time that highest authority of the land must ensure that the issues (if any) between DRDO and DAE be sorted so that the national security should never be compromised due to the competition and public outbursts by the two very important national defence laboratories.

Depleted Uranium

2009-12-09T03:18:00.000-08:00

Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element. It is a very heavy metal and a small 10-centimetre metal cube weighs 20 kilograms! It’s specific activity (radioactivity per unit gram) is low. In its natural state, uranium consists of three isotopes (U-234 (0.0057%), U-235 (0.72%) and U-238 (99.28%). Out of the three isotopes, U-238 has the longest half life of 4.51 billion years. Isotopes of natural uranium decay by emitting mainly alpha particles. The emission of beta particles and gamma radiations are low. Uranium is found in trace amounts in all rocks and soil, in water and air, and in materials made from natural substances.

Natural uranium is used as nuclear fuel in Indian PHWR-type power reactors. On use in the reactors, the percentage of U-235 isotope gets reduced due to nuclear fission (burning) and the uranium recovered chemically from the “burnt” fuel after the reactor operation is called Depleted Uranium (DU). The depleted uranium produced in this method contains some fission-product contamination.

The depleted uranium is also the by-product of enrichment process used to produce fuel for certain other types of nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons. During the enrichment process the fraction of U-235 is increased from its natural level (0.72% by mass) to between 2% and 94% by mass. The by-product uranium mixture (after the enriched uranium is removed) has reduced concentrations of U-235. In depleted uranium, the percentage fraction of U-235 is less than 0.72% and can go down up to 0.2%. The DU is considerably less radioactive than natural uranium because it has lesser percentage of U-234 and U-235 per unit mass than natural uranium. The specific activity of uranium alone in DU is 14.8 Bq per mg compared with 25.4 Bq per mg for natural uranium. Becquerel (Bq) is the unit quantifying radioactivity.

DU is less harmful than natural uranium. However, according to the Indian Atomic Energy Act 1962, it is a Prescribed Substance and hence possession of the material in unauthorized persons is illegal.

The DU has more of industrial application (as heavy shield material against penetrating radiation like gamma rays) than military applications such as in the manufacturing of ammunitions used to pierce armour plating on tanks and in missile nose cones.

Social Networking for Nuclear Decommissioning

2009-11-09T01:33:00.000-08:00

IAEA´s International Decommissioning Network (IDN) has begun using popular social networking tools to connect with more than 400 nuclear professionals in 60 countries all year round. The social networking sites will be used to face the challenge of delivering the right training to the right people world-wide. The decommissioning experts can share ideas and learn from each other.

It has proven difficult for some young nuclear professionals who are actually involved in day-to-day decommissioning to attend workshops, seminars and global site visits. So, the IDN´s coordinators at the IAEA are using non-traditional approaches to engage them.

The IDN provides hands-on experience in nuclear installations that are currently being decommissioned. The IDN now posts instructional videos online; videos which are available to more than 400 people working in this field. There are also plans to begin uploading more of these videos using an approach similar to that used by YouTube, thereby sharing critical, cutting-edge knowledge with professionals working in their own countries. An excellent idea to share nuclear knowledge!

What is Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT)?

2009-09-30T04:07:00.000-07:00

In December 1993, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling for negotiation of a treaty banning the unsafeguarded production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices. The Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty (FMCT) might extend verification measures to fissile materials production facilities, such as uranium enrichment plants and spent fuel reprocessing facilities for the production of plutonium. These facilities are not currently subject to international monitoring. The fissile materials are also used for non-weapon purposes such as a component of the fuel used in nuclear power plants

The resolution called for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to provide assistance in examining verification arrangements to ensure that conditions of the treaties are implemented. It is assumed that such a treaty will be conducive to the prevention of nuclear proliferation and promotion of nuclear disarmament.

Though US Congress is yet to ratify the treaty, Obama administration in USA is keen to mount a diplomatic offensive to push India and other countries to sign the CTBT and FMCT. India has refused to accept obligations of the treaties that hinder India’s “strategic programme”. India seems to be of the view that “Nuclear weapons are an integral part of the national security and will remain so pending the global elimination of all nuclear weapons on a universal, non-discriminatory basis”.

In view of the hostile neighbors, the country should ensure the country’s security before yielding to any pressures from US and other countries. India should realize that the Indo-US deal will only help US with billions of dollars worth Indian nuclear business. There is nothing much for India to gain from the deal.

1998 test of a thermonuclear device by India at Pokhran had been a failure?

2009-09-18T05:57:00.000-07:00

It is unfortunate that a DRDO scientist and a few BARC scientists have questioned the stated success of the thermonuclear device tested in 1998, that too after 10 years, and without much scientific evidence. Why wake up so late? As per Dr. Chidambaram, the device was “a two-stage device of advanced design, which had a fusion-boosted fission trigger as the first stage and a fusion secondary stage which was compressed by radiation implosion and ignited.”

One wonders what is exactly behind this controversy. Some people with the knowledge suspect that there is much more to it than the pure science. There are three possibilities: One can be to force India government to call off the self-committed moratorium on tests and not to sign CTBT; the second reason can be the possible competition for supremacy between BARC and DRDO, and the third may be some one is vying for the top post of DAE in the near future.

In this situation, the common man is taken for a ride, and the national secrets are being openly discussed. I am firmly of the opinion that the full disclosure should be avoided. The issue of credibility of India’s nuclear deterrent should be decided by the Prime Minister himself after due deliberations and hard talk to these scientists. National security should not be jeopardized at any cost.

Radiation around us

2009-09-14T01:39:00.000-07:00

Radiation is a fact of life. People on this earth are being continuously bombarded by radiations from different sources, i.e., cosmic radiation from space, radiation emitted from the natural radioactive elements present in soil/rocks, like uranium and thorium and internal exposure from inhalation of natural radioactive gases, like radon preset in the air which we breathe, and traces of radioactive elements present in food and water we consume. Totally, these contribute about 79 % of the annual average global human exposure to radiation. Out of remaining 21%, 20% is contributed from medical exposures from X-rays and scans and only 1% from all other man-made sources, including nuclear power ((World Health Organization, WHO).

In India, major part (over 98%) of the average annual human exposure is from natural sources, about 1.93% from medical exposures and only about 0.37% from man-made sources. The large difference in medical exposures in WHO and Indian values, is due to enhanced medical care provided in developed countries as compared to India.

This information should be made available to the public so that risk from man-made sources are seen in proper perspective, and members of the public readily accept the numerous benefits from the application of radiation and radioisotopes.

Moratorium on nuclear tests

2009-09-03T00:24:00.000-07:00

In this blog on Nuclear Issues, it was repeatedly posted that any funds provided by the west to Pakistan will only be used to produce more and more weapons, including nuclear to fight against India. Fight to contain terrorist groups inside Pakistan is only a pretext under which the Pakistan government is demanding funds from US and other sympathisers from Arab world.

The Indian Army Chief says “Pakistan’s efforts of increasing its nuclear strength were a matter of concern and Islamabad was going well beyond the degree of deterrence”. India should be more concerned than ever since there is a huge controversy over the claims of success of the 1998 Pokhran thermonuclear explosion, as claimed by the India government. The Indian nuclear fraternity is also divided over the issue raised by one of the ex-DRDO scientists. The Indian Atomic Energy Commission Chief however said that no more nuke tests are required to confirm the disputed Pokhran test results.

The issue is raised at a time when the US is pressuring India to sign CTBT and other pacts which will hinder progress in India’s nuclear weapon programs. Under the circumstances, the India government can very well refuse to sign any pacts which will put permanent moratorium on nuclear tests if required at a latter date. No deal is above the national security.

Radon helps climate scientists

2009-08-14T03:07:00.000-07:00

Radon (Rn-222) is a naturally occurring heavy radioactive gas formed by the decay of radium (Ra-226). It is emitted from the soil and disperses into the atmosphere. It´s considered dangerous to human health when allowed to accumulate in confined places like cellars and basements. The rates of radon emission vary based on the amount of rainfall or the uranium content of the local soil. The concentration of radon and its daughter products depends on the level of ventilation or the air movements in a given area.

The IAEA and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) have taken another step in their global initiative to improve atmospheric investigations that use radon. Radon in the air is useful for studying how pollutants move through the atmosphere and for testing the accuracy of the atmospheric dispersion models. A particularly important application is its use in estimating greenhouse gas emissions and to predict climate change and global warming. It is also measured at stations of the WMO´s Global Atmosphere Watch network.

Scientists and engineers, world-wide, are involved in measuring radon emission from land and also in measuring atmospheric radon. The IAEA has been working on an initiative aimed at standardizing radon measurement tools and practices to improve the quality of their data so that the data are comparable world-wide, and can be used for global projections on climate change.
(Based on IAEA News)

Paleoradiology for unravel age-old mysteries

2009-07-10T02:50:00.000-07:00

Nuclear analytical techniques and imaging systems such as neutron activation analysis, proton-induced X-ray emission, accelerator mass spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and computed tomography are widely used in many applications. "Paleoradiology" uses such nuclear technologies to study artefacts, skeletons, mummies and fossils. Many museums worldwide use the nuclear technologies to discover otherwise hidden details that piece together historic puzzles.

With the advent of more sophisticated CT technology and post-processing software, it is now possible to view mummies in coronal and sagittal planes as well as manipulate the raw data to create three-dimensional (3D) models of mummies and reconstruct their physical appearance. The approach is non-intrusive, leaving the mummy intact, untouched, and unharmed. The age-old mysteries can now be unravelled through the modern science of paleoradiology.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is helping interested countries apply such nuclear technologies for purposes of archaeological study and cultural preservation. Countries should take benefit of the Paleoradiology to improve investigative archaeology, which is still in early stage.

Pakistan nukes

2009-06-23T02:20:00.000-07:00

The fallout of the political turmoil in Pakistan is going to be disadvantageous to India. The Pak President has already warned that there is a likelihood of nuclear weapons getting into the hands of Taliban or other terror groups mushrooming in Pakistan.

All said and done, Pak will always consider India as its enemy number 1 and use the funds obtained from western countries to produce more and more nuclear weapons to fight against India. Now the risk is augmented by the terror groups in Pakistan soil, such as Al Qaida and Taliban.

So, any kind of softening of Indian war preparedness against Pakistan will be disastrous for India. Remember Kargil. Nuclear deals apart, India should not sign any pacts with USA or other countries which are likely to curb Indian preparedness against any attacks from the neighbouring countries.

All efforts by, diplomatic or otherwise should be made by the world leaders to ensure safety and security of nuclear weapons in Pakistan.

Plutonium – not as deadly as assumed

2009-06-17T02:46:00.000-07:00

Plutonium (Pu), since its discovery in 1940, is extensively used in military and in reactors for power generation. It is artificially produced in the nuclear reactors on absorption of a neutron by the Uranium-238 (U-238) atom and subsequent beta decay of the U-239 to Neptunium (Np-239) which further undergoes beta decay to form Pu-239. It is an excellent fissile material (which undergoes fission reaction to release energy) and hence can be used in the manufacture of nuclear devices.

However, whenever plutonium is mentioned in news media, the name of the element is preceded by adjectives such as “deadly” or “most dangerous”, lethal, etc. This is clear a matter of misinformation to sensationalise the news. It is well known that many workers, years ago, have inhaled plutonium in measurable quantities and have not suffered any serious ill effects. Plutonium, like other elements in Periodic Table such as Radium and Thorium and Uranium is radioactive and decay by alpha radiation emission. These radioactive elements are present in trace amounts in soil, food, water and in our bodies. Thorium is used in gas mantles.

Since plutonium is an artificially produced element, the exposure of the public to plutonium is not possible except in situations of nuclear accident or any terrorist attack using so-called Dirty Bombs containing plutonium. Plutonium is not much of a chemically toxic element, but its radioactivity per unit gram is high and hence it is a radiotoxic element. In case of any intakes involving insoluble plutonium compounds, the fraction absorbed by the body fluids is almost negligible and in case of intakes involving soluble compounds of plutonium compounds only a small fraction, of the order of 0.0001, is absorbed by the body and over time gets deposited in bone and liver. Inhalation of air contaminated with plutonium particles needs to be prevented, and in case of an emergency situation, even a simple respirator of the type used in hospitals will provide considerable protection against the inhalation hazard.

Nuclear Techniques can be used for Diagnostics and Control of Animal-Origin Diseases – Swine flu

2009-06-11T03:48:00.000-07:00

United Nations official said that increased cooperation and vigilance on the part of both international and national health systems can help curb the continued threat of a major new influenza A (H1N1) pandemic - popularly known as swine flu. There is still a real threat of a pandemic, and the world health bodies and governments remain in full alert until this danger passes over.

With at least two new pathogens capable of harming humans emerging each year, 75 per cent originating in the animal kingdom, the prompt diagnosis of and response to disease in animals is vital both for disease control and for assessing practices that are most likely to result in risks to animal health and for people.

New nuclear and related techniques, are essential in ensuring appropriate diagnostics and control of animal-origin disease such as avian and H1N1 influenza pandemics, known as zoonotic diseases (source:IAEA News).

Indian Army chief is alarmed by Pakistan nukes

2009-05-30T04:30:00.000-07:00

World-over, all Indians are alarmed by the above report appeared in the news papers. It is also reported that most of the nuclear war heads are aimed at Indian targets. How the new Indian government is going to react to such a situation is to be seen. Pakistan is concentrating in increasing its nuclear arsenal, augmenting the fissile material (plutonium) production and improvising the war-head delivery systems. It is a global threat. It looks China is providing all the support to Pakistan in these activities.

Knowing the past history, why the Americans are pumping-in billions of dollars to Pakistan in the name of fighting terrorism? Americans are playing a double game as usual. India better watch out. It is in India’s own interest that it doesn’t sign CTBT and the Fissile Material Cut Off Treaty (FMCT), which will prevent India from producing much needed fissile material.

Feedback on DNA Article on “Centre sounds dirty bomb alert…” on 22/05/2009

2009-05-21T23:16:00.000-07:00

It is indeed a good article published by Indian daily, DNA (Upfront) on May 22, 2009 entitled “Centre Sounds Dirty Bomb alert… . The article has given very relevant information with regard to the developments in preparedness for responding to “dirty bomb attacks”. The story is well written. It is long over-due that the bomb detection and other agencies responding to conventional bomb attacks are also equipped with radiation detection and monitoring equipments.

Recently, a national conference of Indian Association for radiation protection (IARP) was held at Jodhpur with the focal theme of “Management of Radiological & Nuclear Emergencies”. Various related issues were covered exhaustively in the conference. In the internet, there are blogs (http://radsafe.blogspot.com and http://praja2007.blogspot.com) dedicated for radiation protection and nuclear issues. Dirty bomb is also covered in these blogs.

I may just add that the definition “What is dirty bomb” (in the FAQs), given by the author in this article needs correction. The dirty bomb, as known today, doesn’t cause plume of radioactive particles. It is not a nuclear bomb. The probability of the radiation levels from a dirty bomb explosion scenario causing radiation sickness and cancer is very remote.

Pakistan is expanding its nuclear sites

2009-05-21T04:34:00.000-07:00

United States and some other western country are pumping in billions of dollars to Pakistan to control terrorism. In fact, the money is reportedly is used to maintain camps for training terrorist outfits, to buy weapons and to increase nuclear weapon inventory.

It is also reported that Pakistanis have added one more plutonium separation plant to expand its’ nuclear weapon stockpile.

Even today, the biggest enemy as per Pakistan’s own admission is India and not Taliban. It is also reported that the US arms sent to Afghan forces have landed in the hands of Taliban. Very soon, the Taliban may take possession of the government machinery and get control over the nuclear arsenal. India may face the “Taliban-managed” nuclear terrorism originating from Pakistan. India should be ready to respond to this kind of terrorism.

US helping Pakistan to expand its nuclear weapon program

2009-05-19T04:12:00.000-07:00

United States and some other western country are pumping in billions of dollars to Pakistan in the name of fighting terrorism. In fact, Pakistan, as usual will spend the dollars to build arsenal, including nuclear weapons to fight against India. There are reports of Taliban getting closer to have control over the nuclear weapons. If this continues, the Pakistan under the influence of Taliban will be a threat to the world, including America. Pakistan can never be trusted.

The new US President continues to have policies which are against Indian interests. Obama administration is doing more harm to India than the earlier Republican administration headed by Bush. Why Indian government should play into US hands?

Now, with the Indian public support (the ruling UPA government wins the elections with very good margin) to the Indo-US civil nuclear deal, US may ultimately persuade India to sign CTBT and the Fissile Material Cut Off Treaty (FMCT), which will prevent India from producing much needed fissile material and US administration will have full control over the Indian Nuclear programs

Nuclear Security Initiatives in Southeast Asia Get Financial Support from Australia

2009-05-11T03:45:00.000-07:00

Australia announced a contribution of €250 000 (A$450 000) to strengthen nuclear security in Southeast Asia through the IAEA´s Nuclear Security Fund initiative.

The Fund is a voluntary funding mechanism for Member States established to support the IAEA´s activities in nuclear security aimed at preventing, detecting and responding to nuclear terrorism. The grant reflects the high priority the Australian Government attaches to the work of the IAEA in this area and also to promoting capacity-building with regional partners, states a press release issued by Australia´s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Originally set up in 2002 for a period of three years, the IAEA´s Nuclear Security Fund was extended in September 2005 when the IAEA Board approved a new Nuclear Security Plan covering the period 2006-2009. Implementation of this plan has been almost wholly dependent on the donation of extra-budgetary contributions by Member States and others (IAEA News). This is a good initiatve which should be supported by all the Member States. Look at Pakistan. Are the nuclear weapons are in safe hands?
Nuclear terrorism should be stopped at all costs.

IAEA Director General Candidates Announced

2009-05-03T03:43:00.000-07:00

IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei´s term of office expires on 30 November 2009. He has stated that he is not available for a fourth term of office. The IAEA´s 146 Member States were advised this week that five candidates have been nominated for Director General of the Agency. In a letter dated 28 April 2008, IAEA Board Chair Taous Feroukhi said she had received official nominations from the governments of Belgium, Japan, Slovenia, South Africa and Spain.

The five nominated candidates are:

Mr. Yukiya Amano of Japan;
Mr. Luis Echávarri of Spain;
Mr. Abdul Samad Minty of South Africa;
Mr. Ernest Petrič of Slovenia; and
Mr. Jean-Pol Poncelet of Belgium.

The five candidates were nominated by their respective governments in line with a process approved by the Board in October 2008. IAEA Board Chairperson Ms. Feroukhi is soon to initiate informal consultations on the nominations received (IAEA News).

Developing Strategies for Cancer Care

2009-04-25T06:50:00.000-07:00

One size doesn’t fit all in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Machines that are heralded as breakthroughs in technological wizardry in developed countries may not be equally beneficial to patients in low and middle income states.

This is why more than 400 cancer therapy specialists from 100 countries are meeting in Vienna during 27-29 April at an IAEA event to discuss modern techniques in radiation treatment and how to apply them in developing countries. Major national and international organizations in the field of radiation oncology are also taking part in the conference. This event will benefit developing countries by putting things into perspective.

Many of the advances in radiation oncology that are unveiled at international forums every year are not only expensive but untried and sometimes even experimental. It’s more crucial for developing countries to understand which of the current treatments and approaches can be best applied considering the challenges they face, like limited human and financial resources. The meeting is expected to promote information sharing between low, middle and high income countries, so that cancer care can be improved in the long term (IAEA News).

Nuclear knowledge is available online - free

2009-04-10T06:24:00.000-07:00

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is making its International Nuclear Information System (INIS) available for free to Internet users around the world. Established in 1970, the INIS processes most of the world’s scientific and technical literature on a wide range of subjects from nuclear engineering, safeguards and non-proliferation to applications in agriculture and health. It is the world’s leading database on the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology.

The information provided in INIS comes from reliable sources like the national atomic energy authorities in Member States. As such, it can be trusted by the end user.

Following a pilot test project, free, open and unrestricted access to the INIS Online Database is now available from the INIS homepage to all internet users worldwide. No registration is required.

New ICRP Draft Report for consultation

2009-03-05T02:10:00.000-08:00

Preventing Accidental Exposures from New External Beam Radiation Therapy Technologies - New ICRP Draft Report

The work of the Task Group formed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) to address “Preventing Accidental Exposures from New External Beam Radiation Therapy Technologies” is nearing completion. This draft has been posted in the ICRP site for public consultation. Because of the nature of the report, the Commission has decided on this occasion to use an accelerated consultation and production process. Therefore, the consultation period will be for 2 months only, instead of the usual 3 months. The comments must be entered on the ICRP’s consultation page no later than Friday 24 April, 2009 in order for the ICRP to be able to take them into account in the final report.

India Safeguards Agreement Signed at Vienna (2 February, 2009)

2009-02-12T02:54:00.000-08:00

An Agreement between the Government of India and the IAEA for the Application of Safeguards to Civilian Nuclear Facilities was signed today in Vienna by IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei and Ambassador Saurabh Kumar of India.

The safeguards agreement, which is the result of several rounds of consultations conducted between India and the IAEA since November 2007, was approved by the IAEA Board of Governors in August 2008. The agreement will enter into force on the date the IAEA receives from India written notification that its statutory and/or constitutional requirements for entry into force have been met.

The IAEA currently applies safeguards to six nuclear reactors in India under safeguards agreements concluded between 1971 and 1994. In the future, additional reactors are expected to be under IAEA safeguards under the newly-signed agreement (Source: IAEA News).

Pakistan’s nukes are threat to the world

2009-01-27T23:41:00.000-08:00

One of the biggest challenges to the Barack Obama’s Administration is to ensure safety of the Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal in case of a possible collapse of Pakistan. Pakistan is the hub for the fundamentalist violence and camps for training in terrorist activities. The nuclear weapons or “dirty bombs” (basically a radioactivity dispersal device) may even land in the hands of fundamentalists or Jihadis. Under the present scenario of uncertain political leadership in Pakistan, world community should be concerned about possible misadventure from Pakistan’ army chief. The control of nuclear weapons with the army is not strategically desirable for India.

Tough-line diplomacy by India and other world leaders can only make Pakistan leaders to see reason and ensure that the nuclear weapons and radioactive materials are in safe custody of the civilian government and would not fall into the wrong hands.

Indian nuclear deals for whose gain?

2009-01-18T02:31:00.000-08:00

The Bush administration helped the American companies to sell their nuclear reactors and other nuclear-related components to India. Similar story goes with France, Russia and a few more countries. Others thus get the business at whose cost? Of course, at the cost of India. India may get a few more nuclear power reactors, which may not increase its percentage nuclear contribution after 8 to 10 years, when the demand also would have increased to a great extent. But, India will be giving over US$100 billion business to these countries! These countries were without much nuclear business for a long time.

This may result ultimately in stagnation of India’s own R & D activities in nuclear fuel cycle operations. NEED is the mother of invention. When there is no need, why spend time & money on developmental activities. That means commercialization of India’s “hard-earned” thorium fuel cycle operations will be a few decades away from now.

India should also work seriously to commercialize other non-conventional energy sources, like wind, solar, and geo-thermal, so that additional future requirements will be met by the mix of energy sources other than fast-depleting fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas.

Nuclear Fuel Bank Initiative by IAEA Receives Crucial EU Support

2009-01-07T02:59:00.000-08:00

The European Union (EU) recently pledged Euro 25 million ($32 million) towards a nuclear fuel bank proposal to be placed under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s control. The EU pledge, along with those by Norway, the United Arab Emirates and the USA shows growing momentum for a new more equitable framework for nuclear energy, says IAEA Director General. The pledge is a boost for the initiative originally launched by the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) in 2006.

Enriched uranium provides the fuel for many of the world´s nuclear power reactors, and the enrichment process is a vital process in a multi-step nuclear fuel cycle. The enrichment of uranium, while a necessary step in the creation of the fuel that power many of the world´s civilian nuclear reactors, can also be employed for use in nuclear weapons.

An IAEA fuel bank would guarantee supply of nuclear fuel and reactor services to bona fide States and protect them from politically motivated disruption of supply while at the same time minimizing the risk of nuclear proliferation through dissemination of the enrichment technologies. This initiative will provide necessary support for countries like India in case of withdrawal of nuclear cooperation by the partners in the recently signed nuclear deals, for some reason or the other.

Decommissioning Nuclear Facilities

2008-12-23T04:01:00.000-08:00

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)

2008-12-17T07:21:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-08T01:10:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-12-07T03:08:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-30T04:05:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-24T04:27:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-06T00:14:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-08T04:12:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-09-25T06:08:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-18T00:34:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-06T03:58:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-27T03:42:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-17T01:40:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-14T05:27:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-08-08T23:05:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-23T00:36:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-20T05:06:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-19T03:43:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-14T23:51:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-12T04:57:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-07-10T23:54:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-10T02:28:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-10T01:50:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-08T23:16:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-05T00:44:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-19T05:25:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-12T02:59:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-06-04T03:28:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-13T04:56:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-04-22T04:29:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-18T02:42:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-08T23:15:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-07T05:22:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-03-19T06:27:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-16T04:46:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-14T03:38:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-08T01:38:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-26T00:52:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-23T04:09:00.000-08:00

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.

The Latest ICRP Recommendations -2007 are now available

2007-12-27T23:19:00.000-08:00

NEWS

ICRP Recommendations - 2007

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This lower-cost version includes the full text of the actual Recommendations
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Split personality of CPM – Nuclear Deal

2007-12-09T05:10:00.000-08:00

On and off on the record, the Communist Party of India (CPM) has been supporting and opposing the Indo-US nuclear deal. As the first stage of operationalizing the deal, India has started negotiating with the IAEA, the safeguards aspects of the deal. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is also playing its own game by asking the Prime Minister to intervene during the on-going debate on the deal at the Rajya Sabha. One of the so-called specialists, is cautioning the government about the possibility of the restrictive clauses of Hyde Act and the 123 Agreement in the safeguards pact.

As per the results of the opinion poll of a leading news paper in India, the Indian “janata” wants the deal to come through so that the environmentally clean nuclear power sector can contribute significantly to the Indian power mix in the future. At the same time, let the Thorium Fuel Cycle take a leading role in nuclear power programs being envisaged by the country.

Why India should go for Thorium fuel Cycle?

2007-11-17T02:38:00.000-08:00

Developed countries in the west are not blessed with large thorium deposits while uranium could be procured easily from the mines of Canada, South Africa and Australia for the Light-Water Reactors (LWR). That seems to be main reason why the thorium fuel cycle was not pursued with vigor in the west and uranium fuel cycle served the purpose of power generation and for producing plutonium for nuclear weapons. It is definitely low-risk development of choice with inherent safety. However, the generation of large amounts of high-level waste, including trans-plutonics and their ultimate disposal became an emotive subject worldwide.

India is one of the very few blessed countries with large deposits of thorium right on the beaches of the States Kerala and Orissa. But somehow, the high technology required for thorium fuel cycle didn’t take off earlier probably due to the “sanctions” post 1974. Besides, uranium was available from the Jaduguda mines, and a number of PHWRs were built for nuclear power generation. Simultaneously, however, thorium utilization was at the top in the agenda for the long term core objective of the “third stage” of the nuclear power program.

At present, it is reported that BARC is engaged in developing 300 MWe Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) to gain expertise for thorium utilization and for demonstrating advanced safety concepts. Mixed Thoria-Urania and Thoria-Plutonia are the candidate fuels for the AHWR. Accelerator Driven Sub-Critical Systems (ADS) is the latest addition to the Indian Nuclear program for large scale utilization of thorium. It is expected to provide the strong technology base for its ambitious program of incineration of the long-lived actinides and fission products, thereby reducing the high level waste inventory. India’s long term nuclear power program is reported to be based on the thorium fuel cycle.

The much publicized Indo-US nuclear deal, if works out satisfactorily, would have augmented the short-term nuclear power contribution from the PHWRs. Natural uranium is used as the fuel, which India seems to have short supply.

What the IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei said at the The Indian Fifth Annual Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, New Delhi

2007-11-01T04:05:00.000-07:00

The Summit, held on 12 October, 2007, featured talks by several important political figures in India, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Ms. Sonia Gandhi and the IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei, who talked on - Global security: The need for a new beginning.

Some of the challenges humanity is facing today, as listed by him are:

• Poverty and the persistent inequity in the global distribution of wealth. A study by the United Nations University found that, as of the year 2000, the richest one percent of the world's population owned 40 percent of the world's assets. By contrast, the poorest half of humanity owned barely one percent of global wealth.
• Religious intolerance and the lack of political freedom to systematic oppression and torture and human right abuses, lack of good governance
• Uneven approach to the sanctity of human life
• Global insecurities and threats of nuclear and radiological terrorism.

He said that India has never joined the NPT, and therefore has not made the same legal commitments, it shares responsibility in terms of the urgent need for leadership on nuclear disarmament. In fact, he quoted that next month, it would be 50 years since Prime Minister Nehru made an impassioned appeal, here in New Delhi, for a worldwide end to nuclear testing and the elimination of all nuclear weapons arsenals, in order to "save humanity from the ultimate disaster".

He appreciated the sustained economic growth of recent years has given hope that the political freedoms enjoyed by the Indian people can be coupled with economic prosperity for all. He said democracy is an evolutionary process; however, it must begin from within, and it must be nurtured and supported, regardless of whether the particular leader is a political friend or foe, and regardless of the outcome of a given election. Investments should be in more advanced science and technology to meet development needs - seeking to do more than create more wealth for the wealthy

He appealed to the international community to deal with symptoms of insecurity at the national level, including nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. On the nuclear front he said, the security of existing stocks of nuclear and radiological material should be strengthened, and controls over sensitive nuclear operations that produce such material should be tightened.

Dr. ElBaradei emphasized the need to engage in the sustained diplomacy necessary to resolve longstanding conflicts and to alleviate problems of poverty and hunger to generate momentum for good governance. He called for investments on innovation to address problems of hunger and disease.

INDO - US NUCLEAR AGREEMENT

2007-10-28T04:00:00.000-07:00

Two long years of hard negotiations and diplomacy is coming to nought if India fails to forge the Indo-US civil nuclear agreement by not taking steps to operationalize the deal. The Left parties of the coalition government are insisting on withdrawal of the Government from the deal, unexpectedly at the last minute. By doing so, the nuclear power scenario in India is going to take a beating. The country may not be able to contribute even the 2-3% of the total electricity generated. The Indian community in US seems to be very unhappy with this development. According to them, the deal is more beneficial to India than to US, which of course is debatable. It is more of a business deal for US. The deal is of billions of dollars worth to US, in terms of selling reactors, reactor components, nuclear fuel and other high tech equipments.

It is extremely difficult for India to prosper in nuclear ventures being isolated from other resourceful countries. Power from thorium fuel cycle is still a few years away. The country should go all out for mining uranium from the newly found deposits in the north eastern state of Meghalaya, to fuel its PHWRs. What about utilization of depleted uranium stock? Fissile material percentage in depleted uranium need to be compensated by addition of other fissile actinide materials.

Meanwhile, why not try to negotiate with other interested countries for similar agreement without compromising on the reprocessing rights and the right to test nuclear devises. Why US alone? There are 44 other friendly countries such as France, Russia, and Australia to negotiate in the 45 nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Unkept promises by the governments – the nuclear deal

2007-10-15T05:26:00.000-07:00

It is reported that the Democratic Front coalition government (Congress and NCP) at Maharashtra State has a record of 8984 unkept promises or assurances given to the people who voted them to power on issues raised on the floor of the state legislature during the period 2005 to date. Out of the total 13,025 only 4041 assurances were implemented. There seems to be no difference between the false promises made in front of the hired crowd during election rally and the august floor of the legislature. Nobody is taking stock of the situation!

Situation seems to be no better at the national level, governed by Congress and Left Front. The much discussed Indo-US Nuclear Deal is kept on hold just because the government wants to be in power for the remaining 12 to 14 months of the term in the Office. The members of the Parliament are not in favour of early elections because they may not get elected. The top leaders make inconsistent statements. The earlier bold statements made in the so-called “national interest” suddenly seem to have forgotten and the Front is now only clinging to power. For operationalize the nuclear agreement, the necessary step of approaching the IAEA for the Safeguards Agreement is kept in the backburner. It will be a big setback to the Indian Nuclear Power Programme and the nuclear power scenario in the country.

The people of India are still guessing on whose interest the Left parties are opposing the deal, at the last moment? Definitely not in the country’s interest I suppose.

INDO-US NUCLEAR DEAL

2007-09-17T03:56:00.001-07:00

The Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and US President George Bush announced the Indo-US civilian nuclear cooperation agreement in Washington on July, 2005. Apparently, the deal has created a lot of discussions, apprehensions and concerns among the public in general and people connected with Indian nuclear establishments, in particular. There has been considerable media coverage for the deal. Here, the typical titles appeared in news papers are given to show the progress, date-wise, for the benefit of everybody. The titles are self explanatory and hence details are not given.

1. India, US to start make or break N-talks – as American poll nears, officials say current session is last attempt, 16/7/2007
2. India, US likely to seal nuclear deal today, 20/7/2007
3. All (Nu) clear – India, US break logjam to finalize the nuke deal after 2 yrs of talks, 22/7/2007
4. Indian Cabinet clears N-deal – But Left is yet to say the landmark nuclear accord with the US is right, 26/7/2007
5. Congressmen oppose N-concessions to India, Pakistan tests N-capable missile: Australia moves closer to selling uranium to India, 27/7/2007.
6. BJP okay with nuclear deal : But seeks clarity on India retaining its right to test – BJP delegation meeting with the PM, 27/7/2007
7. Nuke deal is done – The Indo-US nuclear cooperation deal will allow India access to US nuclear fuel and equipment for the first time in 30 years, 28/7/2007
8. Three nuclear questions – Why it might be too early to celebrate the Indo-US nuclear deal, 28/7/2007
9. N-deal better than expected, says Narayanan
10. N-deal (operating agreement) a historic milestone, to work on safeguards agreement, says Rice
11. 123 pact silent on N-test fallout – Pranab, Rice announce deal completion, fuel supply assurances worked out to India’s satisfaction, 29/7/2007
12. Between the lines of N-deal (123 agreement): No more tests, but India guaranteed fuel supply?, 29/7/2007
13. Aussies offer to back N-deal, sell uranium – Canberra decision on exporting nuclear fuel soon, 01/8/2007
14. US & India ride on – nuclear deal is a platform for a vibrant partnership.
15. US plans special NSG (45 members) meet to push India deal; BJP seeks House panel into nuclear deal. India’s status as a weapon state? 05/8/2007.
16. Left waves red flag at Indo-US 123 N-pact; Govt. ready for N-debate, 08/8/2007
17. N-deal is right, PM tells Left. The PM says the 123 agreement has been approved by the cabinet and there is no question of going back on it, 09/8/2007.
18. US hangs on to defense bar. India can’t acquire civilian items with military uses despite nuclear deal.
19. China had nothing to do with N-deal opposition – CPM (Communist Party of India) clarifies, 08/9/2007
20. Left Units divided on withdrawing support. Reluctance to risk a midterm Lok Sabha poll at this stage.
21. Let history be the judge, says PM, 14/8/2007
22. N-deal will be off if India tests: US, 16/8/2007
23. No bar on N-test, US tacitly admits, 18/8/2007
24. Honeymoon’s up, marriage limps on. Left front set to endorse CPI’s tough stand. N-deal will be PM’s swansong: Chinese media, 18/8/2007
25. George calls PM a traitor for signing the Indo-US nuclear deal,18/8/2007
26. Indo-US deal does not prohibit N-tests, says Kakodkar, Chairman, AEC, 18/8/2007
27. Left puts Govt on notice, polls loom,19/8/2007.
28. N-deal failure may hit Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Sons.
29. Left, UPA pause for breadth, Govt to set up panel to study Hyde Act, Calling off deal will isolate India, 20/8/2007.
30. No world for India if nuke deal is dumped. Diplomacy, strategy, economy: The nation stands to lose, 20/8/2007
31. Sino-Pak N-talks to counter India, 20/8/2007
32. CPM threat to withdraw support to UPA government to get nod from the Party’s Central Committee. Red bastions upset with Left on N-deal, 23/8/2007.
33. China undecided about policy on India’s NSG entry, 24/8/2007.
34. CPM’s suddenly soft on the PM, 24/8/2007.
35. Govt. won’t float a Hyde Act in India, 27/8/2007
36. Government refuses to put IAEA talks on hold, 28/8/2007.
37. Experts back PM’s conviction on pact. BARC scientists issue appeal for support; 123 debate likely to be delayed further; Government quotes energy study push nuke deal, 29/8/2007.
38. 123 –pause, govt blinks, Indo-US nuke deal put on hold till a committee formed to go into the left’s objections submits its findings, 31/8/2007.
39. No safeguards talks at IAEA meet: CPM leader Yechury, 03/9/2007
40. Parliamentary debate on nuke deal looks unlikely, 05/9/2007.
41. Cabinet mulls N-act changes. Move to strengthen regulatory & safety measures in reprocessing; Govt. advances N-deal debate, House debate nuke deal today, 06/9/2007.
42. N-Panel device to save govt.; Foreign Minister defends the UPA-Left panel.
43. China had nothing to do with N-deal opposition, CPM clarifies stance in weekly meeting against slander, 08/9/2007.
44. Left digs in its heels on N-deal, 11/9/2007.
45. Govt hints at polls ahead of schedule, Left submits note on N-pact to govt, 15/9/2007.

India could sustain its nuclear program so far without any major setback using uranium fuel cycle. In fact, the country is the achiever in the hi-tech thorium fuel cycle, on its own. So, with or without N-deal there is a bright future for the nuclear power in Indian power mix.

Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Plant (Japan)–Damage due to earthquake on 16th July, 2007

2007-08-30T05:30:00.000-07:00

Earthquake damage to the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power station (largest in the world, run by the Tokyo Electric Power Company , Japan) on 16th July 2007 appears to be limited and less than expected, according to an IAEA expert report on the incident. The design of the plant was not qualified to withstand earthquake of 6.8 magnitude that occurred.

In particular, the reactors, Units 3, 4 and 7, which were at full power, were shut down automatically probably due to the conservatisms introduced at different stages of the design process (design safety margins). Safety related structures, systems and components of the plant seem to be in a general apparently good condition, much better than might be expected for such a strong earthquake, and there is no visible significant damage, the report stated.

While the plant's nuclear components appear to be in a satisfactory state, non-safety related structures, systems and components were affected by significant damage such as soil and anchorage failures and oil leakages. There were two minor releases of radioactive material occurred after the quake. The first one was a release of radioactive material from the main turbine condenser through the main stack and the other was some leakage of contaminated water from the spent fuel pool to a non-controlled area, which was later pumped to sea. It was noted that there was some delay in reporting the releases to the authorities.

Some of the suggestions made in the report are: i) a re-evaluation of the seismic safety the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa NPP using updated criteria and methods and addressing the issue of the potential existence of active faults underneath the site, ii) the potential interaction between large seismic events and accelerated ageing to be considered in future inspection programmes and iii) communication of the investigation findings and lessons learned to other nuclear operators, regulators and technical support organizations.

IN A NUTSHELL, THE INDO-US NUCLEAR DEAL MEANS:

2007-08-10T00:30:00.000-07:00

• The 123 agreement (as per the Section 123 of Atomic Energy Act of 1954) allows US to sell nuclear fuel and nuclear technology to India for civilian purposes. The agreement, approved now by the Indian Cabinet, is reported to be in consonant with the Hyde Act passed in 2006.
• India will get nuclear fuel from America to run the nuclear power reactors (PHWRs), at full capacity. This is in spite of the fact that India is not a signatory to Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
• India is required to separate nuclear facilities for civilian and military use.
• India can continue to reprocess spent nuclear fuel from its civilian reactors. However, the spent fuel from the safeguarded reactors will be reprocessed in a separate reprocessing facility under international safeguards.
• In the event of India testing any nuclear weapons, the supply of nuclear fuel / technology will be terminated by the US. The supplied fuel may have to be returned. Not sure of the political consequences of the test. US may assist to procure fuel from some other countries of the 35 member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) for continued operation of the civilian reactors producing commercial power.
• Finally, the deal could open-up the presently dormant nuclear power related American business to the tune of US$100billion.
• India gets much needed nuclear power, which is environmental friendly.

BLOGGER’S OPINION POLL: DO YOU AGREE FOR USE OF RADIATION FOR BENEFICIAL APPLICATIONS?

2007-07-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

Before giving your valued opinion you are requested to go through the facts given below. The poll results will be published appropriately after one month and you will also be notified through Email. This poll is unbiased and independent.

FACTS ABOUT RADIATION

1. All of us are exposed to natural background radiation, which is quite
significant in some areas and countries, China and India included.
2. Health effects of radiation exposure at the above background levels are not
known.
3. Radiation is used for the treatment of cancer.
4. Nuclear power plants do not emit greenhouse gases responsible for global
warming.
5. There is a small probability that radiation can cause cancer.
6. X-rays are used by doctors to diagnose diseases such as Tuberculosis.
7. Public is unaware of the beneficial effects of radiation.
8. Radiation is used in food processing to prevent the food items from spoiling.
9. Radiation exposures at higher levels (orders of magnitude higher than the
background radiation levels) can be biologically harmful.
10. Almost all the applications involving radiation and radioactivity are
generally regulated by independent government agencies (Regulatory Body)
worldwide.

OPINION POLL

Do you agree for the use of radiation in:

A) Medical applications Yes/ No/May be
B) Defense applications Yes/ No/May be
C) For Nuclear Power Yes/ No/May be
D) For all possible applications Yes/ No/May be
E) Not to be used for any applications Yes/ No/May be
F) Comments, if any

INDO-US NUCLEAR TALKS

2007-07-16T03:24:00.000-07:00

The eagerness with which US pursuing the INDO-US Civilian Nuclear Agreement signed on July 18, 2005 to take for culmination into reality shows the US and its allies are going to be benefited more by implementation of the agreement rather than India. India may have to procure the nuclear fuel and other reactor components from the very countries to build the reactors with minimum gestation period to meet the immediate power requirement in the country. Western countries are going to gain more by India’s ambitious nuclear power programs.

Fortunately, Indian side is standing its ground with respect to its requirement of continuing with the nuclear tests as and when necessary, and also reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel for separation of useful fuel plutonium (Pu) and cesium (Cs) which can be used as gamma radiation source for industrial and medical applications. In view of the developments taking place in the India’s neighborhood and for its own defense requirement of introducing nuclear-capable Agni ballistic missile systems, nuclear tests are un-avoidable. Let India not bow down to pressures from the vested interests and compromise on the stand rightly taken by the nuclear establishment in the issue.

POWER SECTOR – GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

2007-06-13T22:58:00.000-07:00

Power Sector is the single biggest contributor to greenhouse gas inventory (GHGI), which is primarily responsible for Global Warming. Total contribution to GHGI from each of the electricity generating technology - emissions from the production of raw materials (like steel, aluminum, etc) to the various process stages of generation of electricity, including management of waste and transmission of the power, need to be taken into account to get the Full Energy Chain Greenhouse Gas Emission Factor (FENCH-GHG) in the units of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilowatt hour electric, for the purpose of comparison. The results of one such Japanese study is given below:

More effective (than CO2) GHG methane emitted from the decaying water-submerged vegetation is not taken into account in the above calculations for hydropower sector. Hence, probably the factor is low. As could be seen nuclear power is the environmentally cleaner power option. Then what is stopping?