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.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Plant (Japan)–Damage due to earthquake on 16th July, 2007
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 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.
Friday, August 10, 2007
IN A NUTSHELL, THE INDO-US NUCLEAR DEAL MEANS:
• 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.
• 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.
Monday, July 23, 2007
BLOGGER’S OPINION POLL: DO YOU AGREE FOR USE OF RADIATION FOR BENEFICIAL APPLICATIONS?
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
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
Monday, July 16, 2007
INDO-US NUCLEAR TALKS
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
POWER SECTOR – GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
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?
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?
GREENHOUSE EMISSION FACTORS FOR SOME MATERIALS
For Full-Energy-Chain (FENCH) analysis is required for comparison of different energy options in power sector with respect to greenhouse gas emissions to facilitate energy planning and taking policy decisions. The greenhouse gas emission factors (GHEFs) of the raw materials flowing into the different energy sources at different stages such as construction (steel &cement) and selection of materials for the equipments (steel, aluminum, copper), are also important to calculate the overall greenhouse gas emissions, including non-CO2 emissions such as CF4, N2O, etc). The GHEFs (IAEA data) in the units of gm CO2 equivalent per gm of some of the greenhouse gas intensive materials are given here:
Cement : 0.76
Concrete : 1.95
Steel : 2.2
Aluminum : 34.2
Copper : 3.5
Silicon : 181
Glass : 1.2
Nitric acid : 1.4
Plastics : 7.9
As could be seen, silicon and glass (used in solar energy system) are highly GHG intensive material. Similarly, aluminum is extensively used in nuclear energy. GHG emissions control should start right from Cradle to Grave, i.e., Full Energy Chain.
Cement : 0.76
Concrete : 1.95
Steel : 2.2
Aluminum : 34.2
Copper : 3.5
Silicon : 181
Glass : 1.2
Nitric acid : 1.4
Plastics : 7.9
As could be seen, silicon and glass (used in solar energy system) are highly GHG intensive material. Similarly, aluminum is extensively used in nuclear energy. GHG emissions control should start right from Cradle to Grave, i.e., Full Energy Chain.
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