Indo-US nuclear deal in deep freeze?

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

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

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

Radioactivity release in Spain

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

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

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

Gas leak in Pakistan nuke complex kills two

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

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

Indo-US deal is in India’s interest

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

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

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