Jaithapur nuclear power project- environment

Jaithapur nuclear power plant  - environment

There has been wide criticism by opposition parties against environmental clearance  given by environment ministry for Jaithapur nuclear power plant in Maharashtra .

To review conditional  clearance given by  his ministry to Jaithapur nuclear power project environment minister Mr. Jairam  Ra mesh  accused the opposition for politicizing the issue. “As far as environment clearance concerned we have done all that required and different interest groups should not use environment as a shield or cloak behind which they start  firing their guns against government .’ Ra mesh told reporters in Delhi.

“ The issue is being politicized by BJP and CPM as they are unhappy with success of the indo -U.S.  nuclear deal “ he said.

Ra mesh was asked whether environment ministry would have a rethink over the clearance given to the nuclear power plant in view of demand for cancellation environmental clearance.

In Mumbai Maharashtra chief minister Prithiviraj  Chavan who has battled for Jaithapur project said he will convene a meeting of local legislators and NGO to discuss project coming up in Konkani region . There are lot of misunderstanding about project which need to cleared. .He said a delegation of state congress unit and not government has gone to Jaithapur to understand why locals are opposing the proposed plant.

“ I plan to convene a meeting to clear apprehension about project after which I will  personally visit plant site. A team of experts will also be invited for meeting “ Chavan said.

NPCIL (nuclear power corporation of India is building the plant in collaboration with French nuclear  designing firm AREVA . Last month the union environment ministry gave conditional go-ahead to the plant.

There have been  complaints that their lands have been forcefully taken away . Locals have also voiced concern that there was no provision for proper storage or disposal of nuclear waste.

Noting that many people have different agenda in Jaithapur Ra-mesh asked those opposing the environment clearance not to make mockery of process.

Meanwhile Mr. Kamble  Assistant Professor and officiating chair of Jamsetji Tata centre for disaster management at Tata Institute of Social sciences  which prepared the report at behest of two people organization says report was  sent to chief mister few days ago, but there was no communication from his office.

Mr. Chavan announced that to plan to visit Jaithapur to convene people for need of this project, but Kamble feels that this not right approach : he wanted project halted and Mr. Chavan understand what people’s concern are instead of pushing for it.

Calling for participatory method of studying impact the report says concern at development model and social equity have to be addressed. Among  the key issue that are not addressed  include the fact that region falls seismic zone three- a fact acknowledged even by government. All seven villages studied have frequently experienced minor seismic activities. One of the 123 villages interviewed for report sought, under  right to information act  data as frequency and severity of seismic activities over the years.

NPCIL  in charge of project  has denied that it is seismic area. According to an activist of region, the report of Vengurlekar committee submitted in 1972 set forth the criteria for establishing nuclear reactors in seismic regions. Reactors can be set up only seismic zone one and two.

The government had proposed to baseline survey for social impact assessment and rehabilitation to be carried out by Yashwantrao  Chavan  Academy of Development Administration (YASH-ADA) but study has not yet started what with local protests . The find environment impact assessment is not available to the people. There is no information either on cost benefit analysis (CBA) the report point out. The people believe that government is rushing the project though without proper impact assessment.

The report says the people concern are related to the project possible impact on their health, livelihood and their lack of faith on government is evident. Instead of conventional rehabilitation package, the report notes the government should think of innovative way by making people “ partners “ or share holders in the project . The main occupation of the people in the area are farming, horticulture, especially mangoes and cashew beside fishing. According to report , the NPCIL said that of 938 hectares acquired mainly in villages of,Madban, Mithgavane,Karel, Warilwada and Niveli 627.527 hectares is non-productive. But people maintain that land is used for horticulture and rice cultivation and pasture. RTI act showed that government paid at RS 1,37,07,000 in compensation for loss of mango production in 2007 floods. Even in 2009 those villages received compensation again.

The likely impact of project on health is one of the prime concern of villages. People are aware about radiation is believed to have harmed in people heath and environment in earlier nuclear accidents.

The people are also afraid that project will have negative approach on fishing heated water discharged by plant will impact the catch forcing fishermen to migrate.

But it believed  that a mega project of RS 63,000 crores will have potential to spark development in undeveloped Jaithapur.  It may be noted that nuclear power is a clean source of energy without emitting any green house gases.

Exhaustive discussions with land owners , NGO and fishermen  to make understand necessity of nuclear and make them partners in Jaithapur project by appointing one member of family (land owner) in the project and  developing  villages around with rehabilitation package as it was done in Andhra Pradesh .

Take visit of fishermen and farmers  to nuclear power plant and make them understand function of nuclear power project and explaining in detailed safety measures taken and  make them under stand necessity of nuclear projects.

NPCIL should adhere the conditional approval given and to take  necessary environmental protection measures as envisaged   environment clearance  given by environment ministry.

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nuclear power-light water reactors

Nuclear power - light water reactors

Nuclear power has reliability and economically contributed almost 3 per cent India and almost 20 per cent electricity generation in U.S. over past 2 decades. It remain the single largest contributor (more than 70 percent of  non-green house emitting electrical power generation in U.S.) .

If current operating nuclear power plants don’t  operate beyond 60 years the total fraction generated energy from nuclear power will begin to decline-even with the expected addition of new nuclear generating capacity.

Continued safe and economical operation of current reactors for an even longer period of commercial operation, beyond current license renewal life time 10 years is low risk option to fill up the gap and add new power generation at a fractional if the cost of building new plants.

To provide technical basis for this life extension the following five  R& D  pathways have been identified .

The nuclear materials aging and degradation pathway will conduct research  to develop the scientific basis for understanding and predicting long term environmental degradation behavior of materials in nuclear power plants. Data  methods to assess performance systems, structural’s, and components essential  to safe and sustained nuclear power plant  operation will be developed.

The advanced LWR ( light water reactor ) nuclear fuel development pathway will improve the scientific knowledge basis for understanding and predicting fundamental nuclear fuel and cladding performance in nuclear power plants. This information will be applied to the development of high performance, high burn up fuels with improved safety cladding integrity and improved nuclear fuel economic.

Light water reactors

The nuclear fission reactors used in U. S. for electric power generation are classified as light water reactors in constraint to heavy water reactor in caved light water (ordinary water) is used as the moderator in U.S. reactors as well as the cooling agent  and then means by which heat is removed to produce steam for turning turbines of electricity generators. The use of ordinary water makes it necessary to do certain amount of enrichment of uranium fuel before the necessary criticality  of reactor can be maintained.

The two verities of light water reactors are pressurized water reactor (PWR) boiling water reactor (BWR)

Uranium enrichment

Natural uranium only 0.7  per cent U-235, the fissionable isotope. The other 99.3 per cent of U- 238 which not fissionable. The uranium is usually enriched to 2.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent U-235 for use U.S. light water reactors. While the heavy water Canadian reactors typically use natural uranium . Even with the necessity  of enrichment, it is still takes only about 3 kg of natural uranium to supply needs of American for a year.

Uranium enrichment has historically has been accomplished by making the compound uranium hexafluoride and diffusing it through a long pathway of porous material (like kilometers) and making use of slightly higher diffusion  rate of light U-235 compound. There have been tests of centrifugal separators, but modern efforts are directed towards laser enrichment procedures.

The uranium fuel is fission reactors will not bomb, it takes enrichment to over 90 per cent to obtain the fast chain radiation necessary  for weapons application. Enrichment  to 15 per cent to 30 per cent is typical for breeder reactors.




Heavy water reactors

Nuclear fission reactors used  in Canada use heavy water as a moderator in their reactors. Since deuterium in heavy water is slightly more effective in slowing down the neutrons from the fission reactions and uranium fuel need no enrichment and can be used as mined. The Canadian  sleigh reactors are commonly called Candu  reactors.

The family of nuclear reactors known as light water reactors (LWR) cooled and moderated using ordinary water, tend to be simpler and cheaper to build than other types of nuclear reactors, and are well known to process excellent safety and stability characteristics, due to these factors, they make up the vast majority of civil nuclear reactors and naval propulsion  reactors in service thought world of 2009. LWR can be sub divided into three categories -pressurized water reactor (PWRs) , boiling water reactors (BWR) and super critical water reactors ( SWRs). Various agencies of U.S. federal governments were responsible for initial
Development  of PWRs and BWR s .

The leaders of national experience with PWRs  offering rectors for export are United States ( which offers the passivity -safe AP 1000 a Westing  House  design as well as several smaller, modular passivity safe  PWRs such as the Babcock and Wilcox M Power and the Nu scale MASWER )  and Russian  Federation offering both WER -1000 and WER- 1200 for export, the Republic of France offering Areva EPR  for export and  Japan ( offering Mitsubishi advanced pressurized water reactor for export , in addition both people Republic of China  and Korea are both  noted to be rapidly ascending into front rank of PWR constructing nations as well , with Chinese being engaged in a massive program of nuclear energy expansion and Koreans are both noted to be rapidly designing and constructing their  second generation of indigenous designs.

The leaders in national experience with BWRs offering reactors for export are U.S. and Japan with alliance of General Electric (of  U.S. ) and Hitachi (of Japan ) offering advanced boiling water reactor (ABWR) and economic simplified  water reactors ( ESBWR )  for construction and export . In addition Toshiba also offers ABWR variant  for construction  in Japan as well.

The other types of  nuclear reactor in use for power generation are heavy water moderated  reactors built by Canada ( Candu ) and the Republic of India (AHWR) an advanced gas cooled reactor (AGCR) built by U.K., the liquid metal cooled reactor ( LMFBR) built by Russian federation ,the Republic of France  and Japan and graphite moderated water cooled reactor (RBMK) found exclusively with Russian federation and former soviet states.

Though electricity generation capabilities are comparable all these types of reactors due to the aforementioned features and extensive experience with operation of LWR it is favored  in the vast majority of nuclear power plants. Though CANDU / AHWR has comparatively small (but quiet dedicated ) following in addition light water reactor make up the vast majority reactors that power naval nuclear powered vessels.

The reason for near exclusive LWR  are abroad nuclear naval vessels is the level of the inherent safety built it to these types of reactors. Since light water reactor is used as both coolant neutron moderated in these reactors. If one reactor fails or suffers damage due to military action, leading to a compromise of reactor core integrity, the resulting  release of light water moderator will act to stop the  nuclear reaction and shut reactor down. The capability is known as negative void coefficient of reactors.  Currently  offered LWR include the following .

.. ABWR
- AP 1000
- ESBWR
-- European pressurized reactor
- WER
India because enriched uranium shortage India planned and constructed and depend on heavy water reactors. Ho-mi  Bhabha father nuclear energy in India would created a breeder reactor economy on easy steps.
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1. Construct natural uranium fuelled, heavy water reactors which would produce a electrical power and used  as a by product of Plutonium.

2. Construct plutonium fast breeder reactor for power and more Plutonium as well as U-233 Thorium.

3. Later build u-233 thorium breeder reactor.

India could avoid the costly the costly complicated enrichment process needed for light water reactor and could use its own supplies of natural uranium which to carry out program. By that time  the breeder reactor would be operational zed  and India could use its vast volumes of thorium fuel hundred of  these breeder a capacity  which we wanted.

Because India not having enough heavy water pressurized heavy water reactor program effected considerably. In addition uranium not available in India and it has to depend on foreign countries for fuel. India now going ahead  building light water reactors with  latest international technology and with supply of enriched uranium from supplier.

Now nuclear power corporation of India planning to   build nuclear light water reactors with international technology from France , U.S. and Japan. NPCIL (Nuclear power corporation of India  ) planning to increase nuclear energy capacity to 63,000 M.W. by 2032.

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Sri krishna commitee report -Telangana issue

Sri  Krishna committee -Telangana issue

The Sri Krishna  committee is reported to have carefully enlisted multiple options along with ‘pros and con ‘ ranging from bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh state or united state or making Hyderabad union territory  among others.

During last year When K. Chandrasekhar rao president Telangana Rashtra  Samiti (TRS) under taken  indefinite fast bifurcation  state and creation of Telangana state centre then home minister P. Chidambaram  announced that  consultation on  forming Telangana begin soon.  After announcement coastal Andhra and Rayalasema  students and political parties protested against bifurcation of sate .

Due intensified protests from Rayalaseema and Andhra  regions centre back tracked about formation of Telangana state and set up  a committee Sri Krishna committee headed Justice  Sri Krishna  to anal size reasons and recommend for demand for separate state  or to review continuation of united Andhra Pradesh by consulting political leaders of various political parties and student leaders and culture artists employees of both regions and to submit its report by December 31st 2010.  . Sri  Krishna  committee held enough discussions and collected  information from  political leaders and members of parliament and member of assembly and student leaders and is about to submit its report on 31st December 2010.

The committee which is all set to submit  its report to union home ministry this week is believed to have chosen a steer clear of taking any  decisive view on matter though it feels that “ wisdom lies in quick solution” the problem.

Once committee submits its report the government may have to move tactfully and draw up a political consensus to provide relief and succor to all sections of people in the state.

Fearing  a break out of state wide agitation as panel submits its report , the centre rushed 2000 CRPF personnel to state. This forces would be in addition to 24 companies 2400 personnel of CRPF and 1000  Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel already stationed in Andhra Pradesh .

During  agitation  state government booked cases against student leaders of both  Telangana , Rayaseema and coastal Andhra  for  undertaking protects  and for creating  violence and destroying property.

With December 31st deadline for submission of report by Sri Krishna committee just around the corner and pro Telangana forces upping their anti, congress leaders from the region including MP, MLA and MLCs not to be left out of action issued an ultimatum to the state government demanding an unconditional with drawl of all cases registered against agitators and also demanding with drawl of paramilitary forces deployed in Telangana region.

“There is no need for them to teach us laws. Police” Zulu m’  must end . There is nothing like minor case or major case. Don’t test our patience. All cases across all regions must be lifted unconditionally. If  indications are against the formation of new state after 31st December we will send our resignations to party high command. We  are not sending resignations to speaker as our services are required for centre to pass  Telangana bill during budget session of parliament.’ Mr. keshava rao  M.P. said.

As on today  9 nos Telangana members of parliament led by Keshava rao  started indefinite fast for withdrawal   of all 167o cases booked against agitating students .  Mr. Keshava rao said “ this is satyagraha  against our government which failed in its commitment. If this fails to move against government, we will give up our parliament seats “ declared by Keshava  rao while beginning the fast.

The fast by the Telangana congress MP's comes barely after TRS chief K. Chandrasekhar  rao said that he was willing to merge his party with congress if it granted Telangana state.

It is all the while suggested  that in case Sri Krishna  committee failed to decide or recommend  any concrete proposal about state hood for Telangana  suggested following for solving the problem

. Call all political parties leaders for comprehensive meeting and warn them for utterances and make them      responsible for their behavior. 

. Pending the decision of about  Telangana problem it is suggested to announce area development package back word areas of  Telangana , north coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema , in huge amount for development.

. Students leaders should be advised to be away from separate state agitation or for united Andhra  protests as it may lead to  Maoists taking agitation into their control.

. Government should provide employment opportunities for educated youth to reduce unemployed youth  joining into extremist elements.

. The basic problem congress government  not warning political leaders and now advised to effectively tackle political leaders who are black mailing the government for separate  Telangana state.

. Imposing of  president rule in state and announcement  same at the earliest possible.

. Creation of Hyderabad   state or declaring  Hyderabad as a union territory  to protects interests of all citizens.

nuclear wastes and highly radio active waste management.

Nuclear wastes and highly radioactive waste management 


The nuclear waste originates from uranium  mining, civilian nuclear power  plants, military nuclear weapon program, hospitals, educational  institutions and research centers. Recent controversy involve four categories of wastes.

1. High -level wastes : Highly  radio active wastes created through  the reprocessing of reactor fuels. These waste are generated by both civilian and military reactor program-mes. Currently  large quantities  of high level wastes are stored in temporary containment facilities in world.

2. Transuranic  wastes :  Some of the elements in these radioactive by products of reactor fuel and military waste processing remain dangerous for extraordinary long periods. Plutonium 239, with half life of 24000 years and americium -243 with a 7300 year half life are among the tranuranics. Other more exotic transuranic elements have life exceeding 2,00,000 years.

3. Spent nuclear fuel : large quantities  of spent fuel, mostly spent fuel mostly civilian reactors are stored temporarily at  reactor sites. By 2010 more nuclear plants become operational the spent fuel expected to increase considerably .

4. Low-level wastes : any material contaminated by radiation and emitting low-level of radio activity it self belongs in this  category, while this include workers clothes, tools , and equipment and other items associated with nuclear reactor or nuclear materials . Low level wastes currently stored at repositories around world.


High level radioactive waste management.

High level  radio active waste management concern management and disposal of highly radio active  materials created during production nuclear power and military warheads. The technical issue is accomplishing  this are daunting, due to the extremely long periods radio active waste remain deadly to living organisms. Of technical concern are two long lived fission products Technetium (half life 2,20,000 years) and  iodine -129 (half life 15.7 million years ) which dominate spent fuel nuclear radio activity  after a few thousand years . The most trouble some transuranic element in spent fuel  are Neptunium -237 (half life two million years and Plutonium -239 (half life 24,000 years ). Consequently  the high level radio active waste management requires sophisticated treatment and management to successfully isolate it from bio-sphere .This   usually necessitates  treatment followed by a long term management strategy involving permanent  storage disposal or  transformation  of waste into toxic form.

Government around the world are considering a range of waste   management and disposal options usually involving deep geologic placement ,although there has been limited progress toward implementing long term waste management solutions.

The problem Is how to keep radio active in storage until it decays after hundred  of thousand years. The  geologic deposit must be absolutely reliable as the quotes of poison  are tremendous . It is very difficult to satisfy there requirements for simple reason that we have had no practical experience with a such long term project.

Hannes  Alfven noble laureate in physics identified two fundamental prerequisites for effective management of high level radio active waste 1. Stable geological formalities 2. Stable human institutions over hundred thousand years. As Al-fen suggests no known   human civilization has ever endured so long and no geologic formation of  adequate size of for a permanent radio active waste repository has yet been discovered that has been stable for a so long period.

There is debate over what should constitute an acceptable scientific and engineering foundation for proceeding with radio active waste disposal strategies . There are those who agreed on the basis of complex geo-chemical simulation models, that relinquishing control over radio active materials to Geo -hydro-logic process at respiratory closure is a acceptable risk. They maintain that so  called “ natural analogues “  inhibit subterranean nature of such processes in a solid geologic  formation unnecessary . However  existing models  of these processes are empirically  under deliver. Due to  the subterranean  nature of such process in solid geologic formalities, the accuracy of computer simulations models has not been verified by empirical observation, certainly not over a  period of time equivalent to the lethal half lives of high level radio active waste. On the other hand some insist deep geologic repositories in stable geologic formations are necessary. National management plans of various countries display  a variety of approach to resolving this dispute.

Geologic disposal

The process of selecting appropriate permanent repositories for high level waste and spent fuel is now under  way in several countries with first expected to be commissioned after 2017. The basic concept is to locate large, stable geologic formation and use mining technology to excavate a tunnel boring machines to drill shaft 500-1000 meters below the surface where  rooms or vaults can be excavated  for disposal of high radio active waste. The goal is permanently isolate nuclear waste from human environment.   

Because of some radio active species have half lives longer  than  one million years, even very low container leakage and radionuclide migration rates must be taken into account. Moreover it may require more than one half life until some nuclear materials loose enough radioactivity to no longer be lethal to living organisms. A 1983 review on Swedish radio active waste disposal program by national academy  of sciences found that countries estimate of several hundred thousand years. Perhaps up to one million years-being necessary  for waste isolation fully justified.

In order to store high level radio active waste forms in long term geologic depositions, specific wastes forms need to be used which will allow radio active, to decay away while material retain their integrity for thousand years. The materials currently used can be  broken down into few classes. Glass waste form ,ceramic waste forms and nanostructure materials.

The glass form include borosilicate glasses and phosphate glasses. Borosilicate nuclear waste glasses are currently used on industrial scale to immobilize high level radio active in many countries which are currently producers of nuclear energy or have nuclear weaponry . The glass waste form have advantage of being able to accommodate to wide variety of waste-stream composites. They are easy to scale up industrial process  and they are stable against thermal, radio active chemical perturbations. These glasses function by
Building radio active element to non-radio active glass forming elements. Phosphate glasses while not being used industrially have much lower dissolution rates than borosilicate glass which make them a more favorable action. However no single phosphate material has the ability to accommodate all radio active products so phosphate storage requirement more reprocessing to separate the waste into district fractions. Both glasses have to be processed at a elevation temperatures making them unusable for some of more volatile radio toxic elements.

The ceramic wastes form offer higher waste loadings than glass option because ceramics have crystalline structure. Also mineral analogue of ceramic waste forms provide  evidence for long term durability. Due to this fact and fact that they can be processed at lower temperature ceramic are often considered the next generation of high level radio active waste forms. Ceramic waste forms offer great potential but a lot research remains to be done.

Nanostructured materials  seems to be  frontier beyond ceramic waste forms. These vary pose size to integrate radionuclide’s  instead of specific atom sits. This allows greater chemical flexibility. Also nanostructure materials have lower  temperature processing and  can be later altered to make durable forms.

Finland ,the U.S. and Sweden are most advanced in developing a deep repositories  for high level waste disposal . Countries vary disposing used fuel directly after reprocessing with France and Japan having an extensive commitment for reprocessing.

India is having eventual deposit in deep geological repositories  on crystalline rock in Kalpak am.     .

indian nuclear energy and recent developments

India nuclear energy and developments

India international co-operation

India has been offering training facilities fellowships, scientific visits etc and make available the services of scientists for expert assignments both through IAEA and countries with which we have entered into bi-lateral agreements for co-operation in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy. India consciously choose the slower and harder path of development aim at self reliance. The strategy of our program was based on development of a cadre of scientists and engineers in our R&D institutions which grew gradually with development of indigenous know -how in  various fields.

While resorting to imports of technology we did so on selective basis channelized through  R&D. We took care not only to fully assimilate this technology  but to adopt it to our own  conditions and requirements and further diversifying and improve upon it without resorting to repeated imports of technology.

In formulating strategy for nuclear development we had to take into accounts that while our uranium reserves are rather limited, our thorium reserves are amongst largest in the world. We chalked out a program which was not based on model of western countries but tailored to our own conditions. We continue development of natural uranium fuelled reactors not only because of our preference for reactor system which can be operated on indigenous resources and technology but also because the uranium utilization is more efficient and large quantities of plutonium can be produced in such reactors.

A stage has now been reached when it is possible to plan for quantum jump in nuclear capacity in view of availability of inadequate uranium and expertise developed in setting  up plants for nuclear fuel heavy water, spent  fuel reprocessing and waste management and most important of all the capability of local industry .

India is now among few countries which can build power reactor. India’s. other  major achievements including designing building and commissioning U-233 reactors.

In context the future energy requirements for industrial growth nuclear energy assume great importance in providing a viable solution.

In India following projects are under consideration or under implementation with international co-operation .

. Toshiba-Westing  House   AP series reactors .
. GE-Hitachi ABWR reactor series
. Areva -1650  M.W. e  European pressurized reactors
. Russia - WER reactors

These projected to be deployed at five coastal sites under proposal . The nuclear deals under final negotiations are mentioned below.

Russian plant details. 

However after delegation level talks in two days ago between prime minister Manmohn Singh and visiting Russian president Dmitri Medvedev the two sides did sign an agreement to expand nuclear energy. The two sides discussed setting two additional units - Kundankulam 3 and 4 but there was no agreement for these as was expected earlier. With exception of Kundankulam 1and 2 all future projects will come under purview of liability law. The two sides optimistic saying  the deal For Kundankulam 3 and 4 could materialize in few months. The government has also decided to allot one more site to Russia for reactor  building apart from Haripur. 

Jaithapur - French collaboration project.

Sovereign guarantee for Jaithapur nuclear project .

Total deal size is expected to be around 9.2 billion dollars. The French line credit for two European pressurized  reactors (EPR) of NPCIL at Jaithapur in Maharashtra will come along with sovereign guarantees  from French and Indian  governments. The extent of guarantee will depend on what portion of cost for French credit will cover.

While NPCIL (nuclear power corporation India limited )  will buy two reactors from French major Areva. The department of Atomic Energy will sign a separate agreement with company for supply of uranium. The total deal size is expected to be around Euro 7 billion (9.2 billion dollars ). “ NPCIL will access export credit for imported  components of reactors. The loan will become with French government guarantee from and also sovereign guarantee from India. It will have lower interest rate.” Areva India chairman and managing director Arthur de Montalembert told in a press conference. He clarified the financing deal is being negotiated between NPCIL and consortium of French institutions separately.

A senior  NPCIL executive committed the company would avail sovereign guarantee from Indian government for funding the deal. “ the supply of Russian reactors from Kundankulam in Tamilnadu  85 per cent funding from Russian institutions. The French will be similar “ he added.

“The interest rates and other terms of agreement for French deal would be governed by organizations of Economic Co-operation and development norms. OECD norms stipulate that minimum interest rates would be applicable for officially supported export credits. Under the agreement the commercial interest reference rates (CIRRs) are fixed for each currency of the participants to arrangement. CIRRs are set to on 15th of every month. The rate will be base rate for credit along with a bank commission “ said the executive. 

Areva and NPCIL would sign about dozen contracts to finalize the deal in about six months. Areva  chief executive officer Anne Lauvergeon  had earlier in this month said NPCIL deal was worth about Euro 7 billion including two reactors and uranium supply for 25 years and two sides were in the process of tying up funds pending  certain issues. “ the interest rates have to be fixed as they would determine the electricity rates “  she had said.

It is very welcoming news that French and Russian nuclear deals will make full-fledged  reality  for  development of nuclear energy in India  in addition technology development. .

nuclear power plant

Nuclear power plant

Present India’s installed capacity of all sources power is 1,62,000 M.W. out of which 70 per cent power being produced through fossil energy sources and this energy sector getting saturated because of global attention towards cleaner energy sources . Alternative sources of energy will be renewable energy and nuclear energy. India significantly investing in wind power and solar energy while increasing generating capacity in hydel power.
Now nuclear power playing important role to reducing  global warming. In France Lithuania and china nuclear power is playing important role in their energy generation towards their countries development.

In France  nuclear  energy playing important role while France  generating 70 per cent of its power  through  nuclear energy. While U.S. 20 per cent power being generated through nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is clean source of energy without emitting any  carbon .

Nuclear power is an alternative method of generating in place where fossil fuel are  scarce or where hydroelectric sites unavailable nuclear power provides an alternative for generating large quantity.

Uranium is a strategic mineral  and western power have known for this start. Africa was most first important source of uranium even today.

From uranium mining and milling the uranium concentrate   is converted into uranium hexafluoride, as gas which is produced in order to enable uranium to be enriched.

Next step nuclear fuel chain, enrichment is also out hands of most developing countries. Strategic technology and only handful of countries have been able to get hold of technology. However enriched uranium needed for fueling the world’s most common nuclear reactors, the light modern the light water moderated plants.

Nuclear fission and Nuclear power plant

Every man from comic book writers  to theoretical physicists have characteristic the spitting atom as ultimate act of man playing god, so its easy to forget that nuclear fission happens naturally every day . Uranium for example constantly undergoes a spontaneous fission very slowly. This is a why element emits radiation and why its natural choice for induced fission that nuclear power plants requires.

Uranium is a common element on earth .It’s been around since planet formed uranium -238(U-238) has extremely long half-life (the time it takes for half its atoms decay ) 4-5 billion years. Therefore its still present in fairly large quantities U-238 make up 99 per cent uranium on the earth. While uranium-235 ( U- 235) make up about 0.7 per cent remaining  uranium found naturally . Uranium -234 is very rarer formed by decay of U-238 . U -238 goes through many stages of decay in its life span eventually forming a stable isotope  lead so U-234 is job one link in that chain.

Uranium U-235 has an interesting property that makes it handy for production both nuclear power plants and nuclear bombs. U-235 decays naturally, just as U-238 does by alpha radiation. It throws off an alpha particle or two neutrons and two protons  bound together . U-235 also under goes spontaneous fission a small percentage  of time. However U-235 is one of the few materials that can undergo induced fission. it’s a free neutrons runs into a U-235 nucleus the nucleus will absorb  the neutrons, becomes unstable and split immediately.

The animation of light shows a uranium -235 nucleus with neutron approaching  from top .The  probability of U-235 atom capturing a neutron as it passes by is high.Infact under reactor condition one neutron ejected from each fission causes another fission to occur.

As soon as nucleus captures the neutrons, it spits into two lighter atoms and throws off two or three new neutrons(the number of ejected neutrons depend  on how U-235 atom splits) .The process of capturing the neutrons and spitting happen very quickly on the order of picoseconds (1x10-12 second )

The decay of single U-235 atom releases approximately 200 MeV(million electron volts ) that may not seen like much but there are a lot of uranium atoms pound (0.45 kg) of uranium. So may,infact that pound of highly enriched uranium as used to power nuclear submarine is equal to about a million gallons of gasoline.

The spitting of atom releases an incredible amount of heat and gamma radiation or radiation made of high -energy photons . The two atoms that result from fission later release beta radiation (super fast electron ) and gamma radiation of their own as will. The energy released by single fission products and neutrons together ,weight less than original U-235 atom .The difference is weight converted directly to energy at a rate governed by equation E=  mc2

However  for all this work, a sample of uranium must be enriched so that it contains 2 to 3 per cent  U-235. Three per cent  enrichment is sufficient for nuclear power plants ,but weapons-grade uranium composed of at least 90 per cent of U-235.

Subcriticality,criticality and super criticality

When  a U-235 atom splits, two or three neutrons fly off. If there are no other  U-235 atoms around, then those free neutrons fly into space as neutrons rays. However if the U-235 atom is part of mass of uranium, then there are plenty of other U-235 atoms nearby for free wheeling neutrons to collide with. With one more of the free neutrons hit another U-235 atom ? The answer to that question determining a nuclear reactor status. 

Critical mass of average if on average exactly one of the neutrons  from each fission hits another U-235 nucleus and causes it to split then mass of uranium is said to be critical. The  mass will exist at a stable temperature.

Sub critical mass  : if on average ,less than one of the free neutrons hits other U-235 atom then the mass is sub critical. Eventually induced fission will end under these conditions and your source of power along with it.

Super critical mass  : if  on average more than one of the free neutrons hit another U-235 atom then the mass is super critical. This causes the reactor to heat up. 

In a nuclear reactor, however the last thing you (and rest of world) want is all your atoms spitting at once. But reactor core need to be slightly super critical so that plant operators can raise or lower the temperature of reactor. The control rods give operators a way to absorb free neutrons so operator  can maintain the reactor at a critical level.

The amount of U-235 in the mass( the level of enrichment ) plays a role ,as does the  shape of mass it self . If shape of mass is very thin sheet, most of free neutrons will fly off  into space rather the other U-235 atom. As such a sphere is optimal shape and you need 2 pounds (0.9 kg ) of  uranium U-235 atom in it to achieve a critical reaction. This amount therefore referred critical mass.

Inside nuclear power plant how works

To turn nuclear fission into electrical energy the first step for nuclear power plant operator is to be  able to control the energy given off by enriched uranium and allow it to heat water into steam.

Enriched uranium is typically formed in to inch long (2.5 cm long ) pellets each with approximately the same diameter as dim. Next pellets are arranged into long rods, and rods are collected together  into bundles. The bundles are submerged into water inside pressure vessels. The water acts as a coolant. For reactor  to work the submerged bundles must be slightly critical left to its own devices the uranium would eventually over heat and melt.
The problem overheating control rods made of material that absorb neutrons are inserted into uranium bundle using a mechanism that can raise or lower the control rods. Raising and lowering the control rods allow operators to control the rate of nuclear reaction. When operator wants the uranium core to produce more heat ,the control rods are raised out of uranium bundle this (absorbing fewer neutrons) .The rods can also be lowered completely into uranium bundle to shut the reactor down in the case of accident or to change the fuel.

The uranium bundle acts as an extremely high energy source of heat. It heats water and turn it into steam. The steam drive turbine which spurns a generator to produce power.

How steam technology works

In some nuclear power plants the steam from reactor goes through a secondary, intermediate heat exchanger to convert another loop of water to steam which drives the turbine. The advantage of this design is that the radio active water steam never contacts the turbine. Also in some reactors, the coolant fluid in contact with reactor core is gas (carbon dioxide) or liquid metal (sodium ,potassium ) these type reactors allow core to be operated at high temperatures.

By above information we understand how a nuclear reactor works.
 viewers of this blog kindly furnish your opinions in comment box.
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Sachin Tendulker super batsman

Sachin Tendulker  a super batsman

Sachin Tendulker ,with 50th  test hundred  and M.S. Dhoni  with audacious 90 runs helped India resist South Africa  wish for victory on the fourth day of first test in Centurion  at super sport park.

But Dale Steyen after drinks in the final session having Dhoni  caught behind off his glove with spiteful cramping bouncer to end 172 runs partnership for sixth wicket. Haribhajan Singh then edged Paul Harris to slip leaves India teetering .

In a year when adjectives like biggest and  unprecedented were mostly used to describe scams ,it was sport persons to provide cheer to nation with stirring feats. It is fitting ,therefore for 2010 to draw close with stupendous achievement by hero Sachin Tendulkar  who was epitomized sporting perfection for over two decades and given millions of Indians countless moments of pride and joy.

Sachin Ramesh  Tendulker went where no cricketer had before-and no one else may even venture when he scored his 50th  test ton on Sunday. It staggering achievement that reopens the debate about whether he’s the greatest batsman over, surpassing even legendary Sir  Don  Brad man ,who was famously reminded of himself while watching the Indian genius in action. It was a fitting moment in many ways. After  three disappointing home loss against New Zea land when master failed to reach the three figure mark, it came in  a bigger stage  -against South Africa as team India batted to avoid an inning defeat in a match up between the two world’s two top test teams.

 Sachin Tendulker scored 28 tons on foreign grounds and 22 centuries at home. When Sachin  scored  a  ton ,India has won 20 tests and lost in 10 tests  and drawn 19 the 50th may be losing cause.

Sachin scored 20 tons in first innings of match 17 tons in second innings leaving 10 in  3rd  and 3 in 4th innings . Sachin only player with a 20 knocks of 150 plus. Sachin dedicates 50th ton to his  father.

In 1999 world cup in England Sachin  Tendulker had to rush back to India after losing his father midway, Tendulker stayed in Mumbai two days then returned to England to do duty for country and promptly score century against Kenya. He later said that he was looking upwards hoping his father would have seen him do well and would be proud of his son.

On Sunday India celebrated his 50th test hundred  Tendulkar recalled his father. Yesterday (Saturday ) was my father’s  birth day .  I dedicate this century  to him.   The first thing I thought of after reaching the hundred was my father.

Tendulker who thanked his fans for their fabulous support over years. Said  he was happy that the land mark is done over with. Was he under pressure because of the huge expectations ?  ’ You guys only created it. “ Tendulker said smilingly, pointing at media at post p.c. “ you built the foundation which I constructed today’  

Tendulker was not sure how he should react when asked him if record meant a lot to him. Tendulker reacted sharply “ I play for the love of game . I  have  often requested for time out from cricket so that I can come back refreshed and fit. The board has given me rest . If I was after records I wont ask rest “

While reiterating that toss played crucial role in the test Tendulker  said that it could not be an excuse for teams.’ “ the condition were different on different days but we have to take like that. He stressing that a good showing in second innings was essential  for India.” we needed to send a strong message that we are here to fight and I think we have done that “

What about his profile 2010 in which he was seven centuries in 13 tests?  Tendulker simple explanation was I have been playing well, been enjoying batting and lost couple of years I have been  moving well.

Tendulker also spoke to his fans back home in Hindi and Marathi letting T.V. cameras swarm all over him.

Tough job, the little   man has done it on the field.

 Sachin Tendulker fought  like an emperor amongst the ruins at centurion  on Sunday. And in doing so, he reached another beautiful and golden moment in his illustrious career. As he fought adversity with customary brilliance the little great of Indian cricket not only added 50th gem his necklace of test hundred but also brought the nation to stand still as only he can.

It is often said that men must make their own destiny and Tendulker  probably had a  hunch that he would fulfill his idol- Sunil Gavasker egged him on to get 50 test centuries when he equated  his world record of 34 test centuries in Dhaka on the tour of South Africa.

Congratulations to Sachin Ra mesh Tendulker.

india-Russia nuclear deal problems

India -Russia nuclear deal

Russian president Dmitry Medvedev heads to India for annual summit, Russia said  its willing to build 14-16 nuclear reactors in India but Delhi needed to get its nuclear liability law sought.

Briefing  reports on the eve of Medvedev official visit, Russian envoy Alexander Kadakin said Kudunkulam’s first nuclear reactor be commissioned   by January. That would be 22 years  after agreement was signed between  former  Prime Minster Raj-iv  Gandhi and then Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev.

Kadakin was more yielding on the liability law. Russia was expecting explanations from Indian side on nuclear liability issue he said. The current set of reactors being built on the basis of commercial contracts with India. But  was unclear he said, whether next set of reactors would be in accordance with Indian law passed in September. While insisting that there should not any impediment Kadakin said.

‘There is difference between international convention and India law. “ It is first time a nuclear supplier country has highlighted the difference in Indian law and convention for supplementary compensation (CSC) that India signed onto. He was equally clear that international law would take priority over domestic law that India might have specially when it came to international nuclear commerce. But left the ball is  India’s court. If India wants more reactors, Indian parliament will have to find way around time this time( the liability law) ‘ He said.

Kadakin said the second agreement for four nuclear reactors would start soon. ’ We could even build six ’ he  added. While  Haripur in west Bengal has been talked about  as a third site for nuclear cluster for Russia . Kadakin clarified  that this site was not formally offered to the  Russian side.

There have been some protests against the project  in west Bengal ,which put future  of project in doubt. Kadakin said Russia  was not concerned about protests. “ We are not choosing site . We are agreeing to site ’ he said adding that they were willing to go any  where the India government wanted them to build  in Orissa or Bengal or Karnataka. All three have been mentioned  as possible sites.

Kadakin took a stab at India’s other nuclear part “ within other countries, you have to virtual nuclear relationship, with us its there to be seen. But Russia is not jealous “ he added.

Russia and India he said had pioneered  the whole concept of strategic partnership 10 years ago and  it was time to celebrate the first decade of partnership. Defining the relationship, he said it was about joint development of advanced military equipment like Brahmos cruise missile and the fifth generation fighter air craft.

Kadakin however skirted the issue of cost time overruns,which is nagging problem with Russia defense deals to India. And with  past decade as India weapons acquisition has grown space ,India looks more towards countries like Israel, France,U.S. and Italy an alternative sources.

Medvedev  who arrives in India on the evening of December 20 ,will sign over dozen agreements with prime minister Manmohn  Singh along with a clutch of defense deals on the side.

Areva offers NPCIL stake in enrichment plant

 Areva offers NPCIL stake in enrichment plant

Nuclear  power major in France is open to giving a minority stake in uranium enrichment  plant. One  of the largest industrial investment projects currently under way in France -to nuclear power corporation of India (NPCIL) though a formal offer has not been made, a senior Areva executive said the two companies have held informal discussions on the proposal .

French  company is offering NPCIL participation  in a number of uranium projects though  this would  be independent of agreement it is negotiating for two EPR reactors. “ The enrichment plant in France which has a project cost of 3 billion dollars  offers an opportunity for minor share holding “ Arthur de Montalembert  chair man and managing director Areva India said recently.

Japanese and Korean companies have shown interest in the plant that was inaugurated earlier  this week “ if NPCIL is interested it can take equity. we have had  an informal exchange information on that NPCIL is aware  of opportunity though  no formal offer has been made.

De Montalembert though clarified that the opportunity for investment in the Georges Berse-11 enrichment plant situated in south of France and the company uranium mines  was not related to sale of EPR reactors. “ “Our priority is developing the Jaitapur project and signing the contracts. The investment in fuel cycle from running mining to enrichment is different “ he added.

The  French company is likely to sign a dozen  of so agreements with government owned NPCIL for Jaitapur nuclear power plant in Maharashtra . “we will be able to sign the final contracts for equipment ,services,engineering,fuel and fuel services :” said  De Mantalembert. 

“Areva follows a model that gives its customers a stake in mines that it operates in countries Canada ,Kazakhstan ,Niger and Jordan. our partners are customers who want to secure future supply in addition to contracts, by becoming part investors. “

Even  during the inauguration of second stage of its  enrichment plant in France on Tuesday, more than 100 customers from countries were  present. The  plant which will enhance Areva’s share in enrichment to 25 per cent will be fully operational zed by 2016.

Reactor  Reaction

Areva’s European pressurized reactors (EPR s) which are planned for Jaitapur nuclear power plant and have come in for criticism for being not tested. Use of advanced technology based on previous generation reactors. Areva India CMD Arthur de Montalembert said the first  EPR  reactor in  Finland due for loading in two years. Stating that delay in commissioning that was on account of absence of a supply chain he said. India  has not face this problem.

visit of chinesh premier Wen Jiabao to india.

Visit of Chinese  premier Wen Jiabao  to India

The India Chinese companies signed  48 agreements worth 16 billion dollars as Chinese premier  Wen  Jiabao began three days visit seeking to deepen  trade  and investment relations between two Asian giant on 15th December . The top Indian  Chinese companies signed agreements in several sectors including power,telecoms,steel ,wind energy, food and maritime products as Chinese  premier sought to down  play rivalry between two countries.

As Wen Chinese  premier  said “ china and India are partners for co0operation, not rivalry in competition. There is enough space in the world for development of both china and India .” Wen also said he took the trade balance between  two seriously and was  ready to act for more access for Indian I T and pharmaceuticals firms in Chinese market.

The trade between two Asian giants expected to reach 60 billion dollars and china enjoys trade surplus. India’s exports to china largely include iron ore and commodities and New Delhi  has making efforts to diversify  its trade baskets.

The Chinese premier has arrived in India with delegation  of 300 businessmen in a visit aimed at deepening economic engagement between two world’s fastest growing economies. Chinese premier said “ India, china’s 2.5 billion population was a huge market and opening markets would be mutually beneficial to two countries.” The potential for expansion of cities and urban areas hold huge promise for growth.

The Chinese premier counted India’s strength in service sectors such as software and pharmaceutical and financial services  while china draws its strength from manufacturing and engineering sector.

The Chinese premier also called for easy procedures for movement of capital and people and creation of more favorable conditions for mutual investment. Several top Indian companies such as Reliance power , Adani ,  GMR are tapping of  Chinese  power equipment.  Indian firms stated that  Chinese power equipment manufacturers delivers on time and pricing is competitive. Similarly several Chinese telecoms equipment such as Hwawei and ZTE have garnered huge market share in the Indian telecoms  equipment market.

The “stapled  visa “ issue could not be unstapled during the two rounds of talks prime minister Manmohn Singh  and Chinese premier Wen Jiabao held here Wednesday and Thursday but India ,china which reiterated their desire to co-operate and set an ambitious trade target 100 billion dollars  by 2015.

The main constraint is stapled  visa which India says  challenges its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Briefing journalists,foreign secretary Nirupama Rao said visa issue was raised by Mr. Wen  himself who said china took India’s concern seriously. He suggested that officials from both sides should have in depth consultations so that issue can be resolved satisfactory .

Beyond visa issue however two countries made progress by agreeing to strategic  economic dialogue to enhance macro-economic policy co-ordination and address challenges in economic development and co-operation. They also opened new areas co-operation such as maritime security. Despite pause in defense exchanges at senior levels, India -china agreed to work together in tacking piracy in Gulf Aden, where both sides have deployed warships.

There was a forward movement on security co-operation,trans border rivers and addressing the imbalance in trade.

Finally Manmohn Singh and Chinese premier Wen Jiabao   agreed  to settle all issues  including border dispute with officials discussions from both sides.

It is absolutely necessary for both India and china come forward  and work together for establishing greater economic co-operation for improving business relations .

Constraints for nuclear reactors India is facing following major problems for building nuclear reactors in India. .Nuke deal with Japan. .Negotiating with U.S. regarding nuke liability bill. .Source of nuclear fuel. .Environmental problems. .Financing of nuclear power projects. Japanese nuke deal Uncertainty in Indo- Japanese nuke nuclear deal is crucial for nuclear projects development in India. Two countries officials earlier met in Delhi without coming any conclusion on nuclear deal. Japan like to grill India about nuclear liability bill it would deter Japan nuclear suppliers. U.S. companies are already raising concern above provision in law that makers suppliers liable in the event of accident. A second clause in the law that leaves companies open to be prosecuted under Indian laws also giving them jitters about nuclear liability bill. Japan demanding there should clause in the agreement should have provision of cancellation of nuke deal if India tests another nuclear devise. India tried creating word in agreement which will address concerns of both sides. As both sides want agreement to be signed because India having long standing relations with Japan as envisaged by Tokyo and Delhi situation on bigger canvass. The indo - Japanese nuclear deal will give top Japanese nuclear companies Hitachi,Mitsubhisi, Toshiba and Marubeni a foot hold in Indian nuclear power sector for building nuclear reactors in India. At least three of these companies are tied up with GE , Areva and Westing House and all of them have been allotted nuclear parks in India. Regarding the liability bill the French president recently said in India they would like India to adopt rules and procedures that are constant with international practice in the nuke market as enshrined in Vienna convention. Recent French agreement with India for two reactors (7 billion Euros or RS 42 000 crores) dependent between India -Japan nuclear deal because Areva collaborates with Japanese Mitshubhusi since their reactor core is made by them. Even U.S. companies GE, Westing House are collaborates with Hitachi, Toshiba for building nuclear reactors in India. Unless India signs nuclear deal with Japan there is no progress anticipated about recent French nuclear deal with India. In addition French and India to finalize the price component at the earliest. So it is crucial for signing nuclear deal with Japan and India should also negotiate with U.S. regarding nuclear liability bill and settle deals with Japanese and American companies and start working for India’s nuclear power development. However some sources clarified that even if-indo-Japanese agreement delayed it will not effect on ventures accessing Japanese technology for Indian nuclear reactors. Fuel supply The uranium reserves in the country are adequate to support 1000 M.W. pressurized heavy water reactors. India has already been using imported enriched uranium and currently International atomic energy agency (IAEA) safe guards. As India - U.S. nuclear deal allows us to import uranium availability for nuclear projects in India. India has enrichment facility of uranium but we have not commercialized on large scale. “However difficulties in opening new mines have led to present demand mismatch .The opening new mines and mills resumption of international co-operation promises boost uranium availability . ’ according to Mr. Jain CMD of nuclear power corporation of India(NPCIL) . Financing of nuclear power projects NPCIL is aggressively negotiating with Indian companies and forming joint ventures for financing the nuclear reactor projects. This was discussed by me in my lost blog. As regards environmental NPCIL successfully negotiating Kovvada in Andhra Pradesh , Fatehabad in Haryana , Haripur in West Bengal and Jaitapur in Maharashtra offering attractive compensation and providing employment in nuclear power projects for acquiring land required for building nuclear power plant. NPCIL , CMD Mr. Jain promised there will not be any compromise for providing environmental protection to all power projects as per guidelines of environmental ministry.. Recently environmental ministry of India gave environmental clearance for building nuclear power project at Jaitapur in Maharashtra state and NPCIL has given assurance to protect environment in around nuclear power projects. Safety and environmental protection are especially important . However CMD of NPCIL Mr. Jain explains that NPCIL explains that NPCIL to meet all compliances laid down by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and other agencies. Comprehensive and systematic safety assessment by multi tier and multi-disciplinary reviews during each stage-design,construction,commissioning and operation - of nuclear projects are carried out. More importantly making tariff for nuclear power projects completion and compare with thermal projects is another challenge . Mr., Jain explains that tariff are influenced by many factor such as capital cost and construction period. The larger capacity plants should deliver power at lowest cost on account of economies of scale. We hope in phased manner India’s NPCIL should peruse all issues with effective co-ordination and get a favorable environment to reach ultimate goal generating 63000 M.W. of nuclear power by 2032.

Constraints for nuclear reactors

India is facing   following major  problems for building nuclear reactors in India.

.Nuke deal  with  Japan.
.Negotiating with U.S. regarding nuke liability bill.
.Source of nuclear fuel.
.Environmental problems.
.Financing of nuclear power projects.

 Japanese nuke deal

Uncertainty in Indo- Japanese nuke nuclear deal is crucial for nuclear projects development in India. Two countries officials earlier met in Delhi without  coming any conclusion on nuclear deal. Japan like to grill India about nuclear liability bill it would deter Japan nuclear suppliers. U.S. companies are already raising concern above provision in law that makers suppliers liable in the event of accident. A second clause in the law that leaves companies open to be prosecuted  under Indian laws also giving them jitters about nuclear liability bill.

Japan demanding there should   clause in the agreement should have provision of cancellation of nuke deal if India tests another nuclear devise. India tried creating word in agreement which will address concerns of both sides. As  both sides want agreement to be signed  because India having long standing relations with Japan as envisaged by Tokyo and Delhi situation on bigger canvass.    

The indo - Japanese nuclear deal will give top Japanese nuclear companies Hitachi,Mitsubhisi, Toshiba and Marubeni a foot hold in Indian nuclear power sector for building nuclear reactors in India. At least three of these companies are tied up with GE , Areva and Westing House and all of them have been allotted nuclear parks in India.

Regarding the liability bill the French president recently  said in India they would like India to adopt rules and procedures that are constant with international practice in the nuke market as enshrined in Vienna convention.

Recent French agreement with India for two reactors (7 billion Euros or  RS 42 000 crores) dependent between India -Japan nuclear deal because Areva collaborates with Japanese Mitshubhusi since their reactor core is made by them.

Even U.S. companies GE, Westing House are collaborates with Hitachi, Toshiba  for building nuclear reactors in India. Unless India signs nuclear deal with Japan there is no progress anticipated about recent French nuclear deal with India. In addition French and India to finalize the price component at the earliest.

So it is crucial for signing nuclear deal with Japan and India should also negotiate with U.S. regarding nuclear liability bill and settle deals with Japanese and   American companies and start working for India’s  nuclear power development.

However some sources clarified that  even  if-indo-Japanese  agreement delayed it will not  effect on ventures accessing Japanese  technology for Indian nuclear reactors.

Fuel supply

The uranium reserves in the country are adequate to support 1000 M.W. pressurized heavy water reactors.
 India has already been using imported enriched uranium and currently International atomic energy agency (IAEA) safe guards. As India - U.S. nuclear deal allows us to import uranium availability for nuclear projects in India. India has enrichment facility of uranium but we have not commercialized on large scale. 

“However difficulties in opening new mines have led to present demand mismatch .The opening new mines and mills  resumption of international co-operation promises boost uranium availability . ’ according to Mr. Jain  CMD of nuclear power corporation of India(NPCIL) .

Financing of nuclear power projects

NPCIL is aggressively negotiating with Indian companies and forming joint ventures for financing the nuclear  reactor projects. This was discussed by me  in my lost blog.

As regards environmental NPCIL successfully negotiating Kovvada in Andhra Pradesh , Fatehabad in Haryana , Haripur in West Bengal and Jaitapur in Maharashtra offering attractive compensation and providing employment  in nuclear power projects for acquiring land required for building nuclear power plant. NPCIL  , CMD Mr. Jain promised there will not be any compromise for providing environmental protection to all power projects as per guidelines of environmental ministry.. Recently environmental  ministry of India gave environmental clearance for building nuclear power project at Jaitapur in Maharashtra state  and NPCIL has given assurance to protect environment in around nuclear power projects.

 Safety and environmental protection are especially important . However  CMD of NPCIL Mr. Jain explains that NPCIL explains that NPCIL to meet all compliance's laid down by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and other agencies. Comprehensive and systematic safety assessment by multi tier and multi-disciplinary reviews during each stage-design,construction,commissioning and operation - of nuclear projects  are carried out.


More importantly making tariff for nuclear power projects completion and compare with thermal projects is another  challenge . Mr., Jain explains that tariff are influenced by many factor such as capital cost and  construction period. The larger capacity plants should deliver power at lowest cost on account of economies of scale.  

We hope in phased manner India’s NPCIL should peruse  all issues with effective co-ordination and get a  favorable environment to reach ultimate goal generating 63000 M.W. of nuclear power by 2032.

nuclear power corporation of india and finacing of reactors

Nuclear power corporation of India ( NPCIL )and financing of reactors

Presently  about  40 countries are currently initiated nuclear power addition in global scenario. The major problem is NPCIL  financing for purchase of nuclear reactors.

NPCIL chair man and  managing director  Mr.Jain admits that Indian nuclear ambition is large ,but it needs to be realized urgently  to accelerate process NPCIL is now forming joint ventures ( J Vs )  with foreign companies and Indian power equipment manufacturers to build nuclear reactors for creating capacities and mobilize funds. The JV route is obvious considerably due to enough constraints in procuring nuclear reactors and forging materials.

“ such  JV are  essential, there are severe supply constraints for forging and castings, both in terms of  size and volume, steam generator tube production capacity, and special grade steel in terms  of volume “  Mr. Jain said.

“ Typically   nuclear power plants are developed as 70 : 30 debt equity -ratio  and don’t  get any government budgetary allocation “ Mr. Jain said.

NPCIL has cash surplus of RS 13,000 crores its   assets are worth RS 38,448 crores and net worth of RS 21,268 crores. The equity will be raised from internal and extra budgetary resources of NPCIL and participation of partners. 

“For PHWR ( pressurized heavy water reactors )the debt is planned  from domestic borrowing. The light water reactors the debt expected to come from vendors home country government loan and market borrowing. The key  would be to reduce the cost of capital particularly debt and also ensure that our interests are protected over long time “ says Jain.

As a beginning NPCIL, BHEL and Alstoms Indian arm APIL  have formed a JV  to provide technical support and supply turbines to nuclear power projects in India. APIL is one -third equity partners  with capital 25 billion Euros -JV initially will be supply turbines to eight units of 700 M.W. each being developed by NPCIL value will be around RS 6000  crores. The eight nuclear reactors are planned in Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh with heavy water reactors.
 
NPCIL and L& T have entered into a joint venture to produce special steels and ultra heavy forging. The JV was incorporated as a subsidiary of L&T with NPCIL holding 26 per cent of paid up capital. Mr. Jain explains that indigenous manufacture of forging would close critical gap in India industry  capability to produce equipment for nuclear and thermal power plants.

‘Earlier NPCIL  also formed JV with India’s largest power producer NTPC to set up nuclear power projects. IOC India oil corporation has  indicated that it will contribute RS 10,000 crores towards equity. Similarly  NPCIL entered into JV  with National Aluminum Company Limited (NALCO ) for financing nuclear power projects. NALCO expected to contribute RS 5000 crores towards to equity “ Jain added.
NPCIL also in discussion with steel authority of India and Indian railways for similar JV.

TARGETS

‘ Ensuring a smooth supply chain and project execution capacity enhancement  of Indian industry adequacy and appreciativeness  human resources and appropriate partnership for  investment in power program are key to success. ’ Jain explains.

The average tariff 2009-10 maintained at the same as  RS 2.30 per unit as 2008-09 despite 15 per cent increase in fuel  cost.” With  measures such as increasing the unit size of future reactors and reduction gestation period, nuclear power would be further competitive “ Jain explains. At same time, localization of technology and supplies would help in bringing down  the capital cost ,thereby making tariff more competitive. Mr. Jain very optimistic about nuclear power future in India.

nuclear energy-environmental problems

Environmental problems and nuclear power plants

India’s  24 billion dollars reactor deal with France potential provide energy for every house at affordable prices at least in Maharashtra state of India. Nuclear energy is a cleaner energy as there is no burning as a result there is no emission of carbon dioxide.

The estimated project cost and operative cost for various power as follows

Coal  :  Capital cost estimated  at RS 4-5 Crores   per M.W.  and operating cost RS 2-2.50 per KWH

Hydro  : Capital cost estimated at RS 4- 5 Crores per M.W. and operating cost RS 3-3.50 per KWH.

Wind power : Capital cost estimated at RS 6-7 Crores per M.W. and operating cost RS 3-3.50 per kw h

Nuclear power : Capital cost estimated RS 6 Crones per M.W. going by project cost of PWR and PHWR reactors which depends upon each deal, operating cost is approximately RS 2.75-3.50 per KWH.   

By above analysis  cost we can  better understand  that    nuclear power is not so much expensive  in India as cost of power not much expensive when compared to other power  sources.

Jaithapur proposed 10,000 M.W. plant proposes to provide electricity to rural India reeling under eight hour power cuts . But region is considered ecologically fragile and plant has raised concern about what civilians  can do with increase in temperature which will decrease in bio-diversity green Ghats of Jaitapur.The area has rich bio-diversity its people enjoyed fishing and farming for lively hood  in their ecologically fertile lands . Environmentalists say  that more than 200 hectares of mangroves will vanish along with marine species.

Marine biologists say the true impacts of bio-diversity of this bigger nuclear reactor will never known unless one decided to comprehensive bio-diversity. The temperature rise in coastal areas  Jaitapur will effect environment of the district and that is the reason locals are resisting against building nuclear power plant in Jaitapur.

In nuclear power corporation of India (NPCIL)has agreed to provide job or 5 lakh  for compensation for people whose lands have acquired for building nuclear reactor. In addition NPCIL has assured compensation package 2 crores  for development of four villages which are going  to effect by nuclear reactor erection.

Proposed Nuclear sites in India 

Kovvada in Andhra Pradesh

The village Kovvada in Srikakulam district became focus once nuclear plant site was proposed to set up 8 years back. Most of 3000 people in the 13 villages across the district are fisher folk and shepherds. Kovvada is up in arms because it fears the nuclear power plant will destroy its Eco-system and common life people around.

When a team of nuclear energy and oceanography experts visited the site recently it faced wrathful  local fishermen  . But plans for going ahead. The chief engineer of plant says two reactors will be installed by 2014 with  whopping cost of each 9000 crores with life span of 60 years. These reactors will be installed with technical collaboration from firms G.E. and Westing  House. Total 10 reactors will be  installed in next ten years in a phased manner. Some villagers are taken to Tamilnadu’s Kalpak am and Kandankulam nuclear power plants in order to see how nuclear power plants function and their safety factor. A fisher man  said they were taken  around plants and it was explained that nuclear power plants meet energy needs.

NPCIL plans to recruit 15000 local youths to work in plant from 2013.But  environmentalists and activists cry foul with V.S. Krishna of human rights forum lamenting reckless presiding over destruction of natural  Eco-systems.

Fathehabad  Haryana

For 115 days farmers of Gorakhpur village sitting out side mini secretariat here.   They are protesting the acquisition of land  just over 1000 acres of village by NPCIL. Villagers sought help of congress general secretary  Rahul Gandhi and chief minister Bhoopinder Singh Hooda but nothing happened. Even so farmers say that there are ready in long fight. They are not ready to loose their fertile land for acquisition land for building nuclear reactor.

Haripur West Bengal

On paper Haripur west Bengal is first state nuclear power plant. According  officials 12 Russian nuclear reactors were ordered. But installation preparation are on hold.

The site Mankaraiput under  Haripur mouza  in east Midnapur  was chosen after extensive survey of Geological survey of India. The pre-installation preparation on hold since farmers and fishermen across village agitating against building nuclear power plant in their lands.

NPCIL chair man and managing director Mr. S.K. Jain  told that project on hold off till 2011 assembly elections. National fish workers forum secretary Pradip Banerji  agrees promising strong and consistent opposition government bid to acquire the agriculture  farm land. The mood is so militant at Haripur chased away a congress delegation which visited in January 2009 to get sense of stand off. Nearly two years passed Haripur missed plant.

All these environmental problems are teething troubles. NPCIL  who are responsible for building and operating nuclear power plants in India need patience and persuasion to speed  up successfully negotiate the attractive compensation package for land owners and settle with repeated discussions across table.

Nuclear scenario

India planned to import light water reactors from Russia ,U.S. , France and South Korea. They expected to play a key role in increase nuclear power from 3 per cent to 40 per cent by 2052 says former chair man AEC  Mr.M.R. srinivasan ‘ we plan to generate 20,000 M.W. by 2020 “ says Srinivasan who is member AEC. Almost all nuclear experts agree that India need nuclear power.


India placed single biggest order worth  24 billion dollars worth with European nuclear giant Areva for supply 2 no’s European pressurized nuclear reactor (EPR) out of 6 no’s of 1650  M.W. planned for Jaitapur site in Maharashtra

P.K. Iyengar another former AEC chairman critical of placing order with French giant Areva. He says it is not easy to import and it takes time India to become nuclear nation.

But Atomic Energy Commission member  Srinivasan  says “ the safest reactors in the world and I am glad we will be obtaining “. it is worthy to mention here French EPR are most safest reactors available in nuclear world scenario as these reactors are successfully commissioned in France.

Regarding Jaitapur environmental problem AEC Chairman Mr. S. Benerji  said the state government had provided the land. It is barren area and compensation package is attractive. We are negotiating with land owners and we will certainly not to do any thing which threaten the environment . Banerji claim that the reactor will be constructed so that 1.5 kilometer under sea tunnel will channel extract heat away  safety  ‘ so there will be no threat to environment at all” Banerji said. Banerji is hopeful the first French reactor will go critical at Jaithapur by 2017 but Areva imports themselves depend upon in do- Japanese nuclear deal because  French firm has a tie up Japan’s Mitsubishi . There is no indication when Japan -India  sign nuclear deal.

But Banerji is keen to focus on positive side of story . The India-U.S. deal has been operational facilitate import of  “ reactors from  France, U.S., and Russia . The AEC Chair man also upbeat about liability and pricing “ these will be done and  I am  very sure about this .’

Mr. . Srinivasan shares confidence  says “ the progress with Westing House  and General Electric has been 
less when compared France and Russia .” There  are internal problems in U.S. about nuclear power and democrats do not seem to be enthusiastic either. We would like U.S. industry to speed up .”

But liability issue is elephant  in a room . Russia ,Japan, south Korea ( reactors of Westing House or American design ) which mean they too will want liability issue to be clarified before going ahead with formal negotiations. As of now U.S. it is not agreeable totally to liability bill.
Banerji  add if and when they are built undoubtedly end India’s quest for clean energy.

Of course India -U.S.  nuclear deal will allow import of uranium and NPCIL has located other areas  apart from Jaduguda  in Jharkhand  where uranium is available. There are uranium mines in Meghalaya and Andhra Pradesh . But mining operations face great resistance from local people. 

However India needs  nuclear energy  for our India’s overall  industrial development and domestic needs.

india power scenario

India power scenario

Government of India has ambitious mission of power for all by 2012. This mission would require that installed generation   capacity should be at least 2.00,000 M.W. by 2012 from present level of 1,64,800 M.W. India planned to install power generation capacity of 1,00,000M.W. during 12th five year plan and same additional  power  capacity of 1,00,000 M.W. during 13th five ear plan . Power requirement by reach 4,00,000 M.W. by 2020.

Power policy objectives
1. Sufficient power to achieve G.D.P. growth rate above 8.5 per cent
2. Reliable power.
3. Quality of power
4. Optimum power cost
5. Commercial viability power utilities and investors.
6. Power for all
India power sector needs investment of up to 400 billion dollars in five years to end March 2017 power sectary P.Umasankar said on Thursday. India plans to add 62 G.W. of generating capacity mainly using coal, in the five years  to end March  2012 an attempt to reduce peak hour power shortages and provide electricity to millions of house holds. But coal shortages have crumpled power generation.

The ministry of power is apex body responsible for development of electrical energy  in India. India 6th largest energy consumer accounting 3.4 per cent global energy consumption. Due India’s economic rise, the demand for energy has grown at average 3.6 per cent per an um over past 30 years. In June 2010 the installed power generating capacity is 1,62,366 M.W.,while  per ca-pita energy consumption 640 MHW. The set target to add 78,000 M.W. during the year 2009-2010 which it likely may miss. The total demand for electricity expected to cross 900,00 0 M.W. by 2030.

About 70 per cent of electricity consumed is generated by thermal power plants and while India produces 21 per cent by hydro electric power plants and 4 per cent by nuclear power plants. More than 50 per cent of India’s commercial energy demand met though the vast coal reserves. The country has invested heavily in recent years in renewable energy sources wind energy and solar energy. At 2010 June India installed wind generating capacity stood 12,100 M.W. In addition India committed massive amount of funds for construction of various nuclear power plants(reactors ) in coastal areas of India which would take India nuclear power capacity to 63,000 M.W. by 2032.In July 2009  India unveiled 20 billion dollars plan to produce 20,000 M.W. by 2020.

Thermal power

Grand total power installed capacity as on 30.09.2010 is 1,62,366 M.W.
Current thermal power installed capacity is 1,06,517 M.W.  which 64.6 per cent total installed capacity.
Current installed base of coal based thermal  power plants is 87,943 M.W. which is 53.3 per cent of total installed capacity.
Current installed base gas based thermal power plants 17,374.85 M.W. which is 10.5 per cent of total installed capacity.
Current installed oil based thermal power plants is 1199.75 M.W. which 0.9 per cent of total installed capacity.

Hydro power

 India has one of pioneering countries of producing hydro power plants in world.  The present installed capacity of hydro power as on 30.06.2010 is  approximately 37,328 M.W.  Major hydro power generated by NHPC and state hydro power projects.

Nuclear power

India has 20 nuclear power plants running with by generating 4,560 M.W.  which is 2.9 per cent of total installed power capacity. Four nuclear reactors  under construction.

Electricity transmission and distribution losses are extremely high and vary between 30-45 per cent,  however last several years  T&D  losses have come down considerably  since major state utilities have taken several measures like using all aluminum alloy conductors (AAAC) and other actions like  prevention of theft  of conductors hence  transmission and distribution loses have come down to approximately 20 per cent. Power cuts are common throughout India and this has adversely effected country’s economic growth. Despite Rural electricity commission ambitious program some 400 millions in Indians  have no access to electricity during black outs. While  80 per cent of Indian villages have at least electricity line, just 52.5 per cent   rural house holds have to access to electricity. In overall electrification rate in India is 64.5 per cent while 35.5 per cent population still  without  access to electricity according to a sample survey.

Renewable power
Current installed base of renewable energy is 16,942 M.W. which is 7.7 per cent of total installed capacity of power.

Transmission of power

Transmission of electricity is defined as bulk transfer of power over a long distance at high voltage generally of 132 K.V. and above .India’s bulk transmission lines has increased from 3708 circuit kilometers to 1,65,000 ckm  as per power grid corporation of India. The entire country divided with five regions for transmission of power system. Namely northern region, north east region, eastern region ,southern region and western region.

Inter connected transmission systems within each region is called regional grid.

The transmission system planning in country in past traditionally linked to generation projects as part of evacuation system. Ability of power system to safely withstand a contingency without generation rescheduling or load shedding was main criterion for planning   transmission system. However due to various reasons such as spatial development of load net work non commissioning of load centre generating units originally planned and deficit in reactive compensation. Certain pockets in power system could not safely operate even under normal condition. This had necessitated backing down generation and  operating at a lower load generation balance in the past. Transmission planning has therefore moved away from earlier generation evacuation system planning to integrate system planning. While predominant technology for electricity transmission and distribution has been Alternative current (AC) technology. High voltage direct current (HVDC) technology has also been used for inter connection of all regional grids across country and for bulk transmission power over long distances.

Distribution

Total installed generating capacity 1,64,700 M.W. while total number of consumers 144 million. Apart from  transmission net work at 500 KV HVDC ,400 KV, 220 KV,132 KV,66KV which  has been developed to transmit the power from generating station to the substation as was vast net work of sub transmission distribution system has also come up for utilization of power by ultimate consumer. 

However due to lack of adequate investments on transmission and distribution (T&d)  losses have been  consistently higher side .the reduction these loses was essential to bring  economic viability to state utilities.

The massive investments in transmission lines  and distribution lines with energy saving alloy conductors  AAA CONDUCTORS  and in addition construction and erection of towers and substation stations  essential for reducing T&D loses .   

     

Nuclear power corporation of india plans to export nuclear reactors

 NPCIL to export nuclear reactors

Government run NPCIL has initiated talks with India companies and financial institutions to form a consortium for exporting pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs)  to  emerging countries. The consortium  will facilitate export PHWR s to under less developed countries include Myanmar,Cambodia,Kazakhstan ,Africa, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Nuclear power corporation of India (NPCIL ) has now present  capacity of our nuclear power plants is 4,460 M.W.only.  NPCIL  at present plan to increase nuclear power capacity  to 63,000 M.W. by 2032 with help international companies participation and with domestic nuclear power plants generating capacity augmentation .

NPCIL   chair man and managing director (CMD) MR.S.K. Jain told in a press conference that “  NPCIL has enough expertise and technical experience with proven technology of PHWRs in exporting  in capacities of 220 M.W. and 540 M.W. to under less developed countries since those countries to whom we are planed to export reactors as their grid cannot take  bigger capacity reactors of 1000 M.W. and above.

The exports can be possible with consortium as NPCIL cannot alone fulfill countries specific requirements. The consortium will be formed along in line of consortium French reactor supplier Areva.

Mr. .Jain  said the objective of formation consortium is to enable us to sell our own nuclear reactors and market our reactors to other countries.

Mr. Jain CMD of NPCIL said discussions on formation of consortium were at initial stages. The involvement of Indian financial institutions such as LIC will be important as they can play a key role to meet huge financial   investments which are  required to exporting  these nuclear reactors.

The consortium will be involved in project development while huge investments will be managed by individual countries who wish to procure our reactors. He  also said consortium will also make available long term debt.

According to Jain India presently having 20 PHWRs with nuclear power generation capacity 4,460 M.W.and 20 nuclear power plants of capacity  700 M.W.planned . Of these 10 nuclear plants are  planned based on domestic uranium fuel out of  safe guards. The remaining 10 PHWR  nuclear power plants planned to be fuelled with reprocessing uranium obtained from light water reactors that those would be set up with international co-operation.

NPCIL green initiative

NPCIL will planned to invest  2 per cent  from net profit for nuclear power plants clean  green initiative  towards CSR (corporate  social  responsibility ) . NPCIL  to appoint a board  director for green lobby to look after environmental safety of nuclear power plants.

The India’s premier NPCIL  nuclear power corporation of India planned to increase nuclear power generating capacity  to  63,000 M.W. by 2032 would soon appoint environmentalist on its board of director.

Nuclear power corporation of India limited would also set up advisory committee comprising social sciences,environmentalist and N.G.Os to advise the organization on advising on environmental issue  and also NPCIL decided to allot 2 per cent towards corporate social responsibility for community and area development.

NPCIL move crucial especially when there was rising objections against its 10,000 M.W. nuclear power plant in Maharashtra by social and environmental activists. The villagers fear the plant would damage agriculture and marine life  in adjoining areas.
NPCIL chair man managing director Mr.S.K. Jain told that we care about environmental sustainability of nature surrounding our plants . The vast stretches of land on which nuclear reactor are set up, provide opportunity for our fellow citizens to live peacefully even though nuclear power plants are part and parcel of life for green initiatives. Environmentalists have a view point and we are prepared to do much more  NPCIL does not believe in short cuts. Therefore an environmentalist will be appointed in our board of director who can help our environmental protection measures.

He also said environmental advisory committee would also be instrumental to suggest protection measures to be initiated in while implementing NPCIL safety and environmental programs.    

NPCIL  has implemented environment stewardship program ( ESP) which focuses on scientific study of bio-diversity  within and around exclusive nuclear plant areas. As part of program local volunteers are trained and campaign are organized to enhance green awareness in around nuclear plant areas.

  Mr. Jain said NPCIL has been associated with Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) to educate and create awareness about  environmental conservation and avifauna. The thick a forestation around plants allures a variety of local migratory bird. Campaign on local environmental safety measures will be conducted by NPCIL. The KAIGA  plant in association with the world wild life fund (WWF) participate in activities of  releasing fish seedlings. The Narora  plant in association with WWF carries out surveys of Gang a  dolphins. Each nuclear project has environmental safety laboratory, which operated  by physics division of Bhabha  atomic research centre “ he said.

According to  Mr. Jain NPCIL environmental monitoring program monitors the environmental the radiation exposure to public due operation of nuclear power plants. The analysis is carried out using sophisticated radio chemical analysis and other highly sensitive instruments.

The above environmental measures by NPCIL will help awareness about nuclear plants and human survival in the environment where there is no safety problems while generating energy for  India’s development.

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energy effiency and conservation

Energy efficiency and conservation

As India population is growing energy demand increases for their household consumption and industrial usage and energy requirement. As government of India making plans  for  and planning to add  additional power generating capacity 100,O00, M.W. during 12th five year plan and same quantity  of power generation planed   1,00,000 M.W. during 13th five year plan in addition to existing power generating capacity 1,60,000 M.W.

Energy  saving is important while generating power more efficiently  at affordable rates. It is all the way necessary to conserve energy needs to reduce environmental effect on earth  due to generation of power  through coal based power plants.

Energy efficient homes

Energy efficient new homes may cost 5-10 per cent  more than for heavily insulating walls and ceiling,fluorescent lighting, low emissivity windows and efficient heating and air conditioning system but after 2-3 year pay back period these investments begin to save money as well as energy. Older residences can be made much more efficient with relatively small investments to insulate ceilings and to weather-strip and caulk around doors and windows. Additional energy savings accrue when worn out appliances and heating and cooling systems are replaced with energy efficient ones. Sweden leads the world in percentage of energy efficient building technology and has developed international market for energy efficient building technology. In addition most western European countries have energy performance  standards or norms for commercial or residential buildings.

During last two decades the industrial sector which consumes two-fifth of energy in developing countries has realized significant energy savings even as industrial out put continued to expand.

For example U.S. industry have led to a 1 per cent average decline in energy use as industrial production  increased by 2 per cent in a year.

Several strategies used to achieve energy savings in industry include

. Installing equipment and facilities that reduce energy consumption yet are cost effective

. Adopting new industrial process or products that save energy and may reduce labour and material costs as well. For example automotive  industry  has developed aluminum alloy made car rims in wheel  in place of steel rims  thereby reducing the cost of vehicle and in addition  savings in fuel due to ultimate lower weight of vehicle.

. Producing products from recycled material which normally require half much energy in puts as production using new raw materials.

 Developing new technologies that reduce energy and material requirements. The basic oxygen steel making process that cuts energy inputs by  nearly one half has been implemented by world wide manufacturers.

Since 1970 world fleet of vehicles tripled and more than two-third registered north America and Europe. Although growth vehicles in OECD countries has slowed down recent years, it has accelerated in Asia and Latin America. This global fleet consumes well over half world’s oil US. Vehicles  using about 25 per cent of oil out put.

Because increased use of oil put large demands on oil supplies, but also produces huge regional and global environmental impacts. In developing  countries pollutants from motor are major sources  of ozone, smog and acid rain. Further more vehicles are responsible providing significant quantities carbon dioxide and chlorofluorocarbons, which are implicated global climate change. As  a result improving vehicles fuel economy is both critical economic and environmental issues for developed countries and developing countries. In last two decades U.S. average fuel economy doubled. At the same time however ,the number of automobiles has grown  and miles driven per vehicles have increased. Current  and future efforts to build more fuel efficient  vehicles include using more light weight materials, use of aluminum plastic using two stroke engines and continuously variable transmission  for more efficient energy conversion and improving the fuel economy and improved aerodynamic design streamlining exteriors to reduce air friction.

Even with improvements in vehicles efficiency  the growing fleet fueled by petroleum is largest single source of air pollution. Cleaner automotive fuel that add no net carbon dioxide to atmosphere include hydrogen and electricity  produced non -fossil sources and fuel made from bio-mass such as ethanol, methanol and methane. Unfortunately these alternative fuels are most costly and are  under development. Of course natural gas is most sought alternative fuel for petrol  and competes  on price front and economical also. There is also need to shift more energy efficient transportation systems. For examples truck hauling has grown significantly in the last three decades but it is relatively in efficient  for bulk hauling compared to trains and ships. 

Using bio-fuels like bio-ethanol and bio-diesel improves efficiency of engine and reduced fuel consumption  In automobile sector.

To save energy break though must be made in following aspects .
A) Technical innovation must be made on large scale instead of minor changes and modifications to process..
B) Actively developing and using new energy sources nuclear energy, solar energy, wind energy,bio-fuels which does not endanger green house gases and other atmospheric pollutants. Although new energy sources have their own weak point in technology and cost, they represent at orientation for world’s development of energy hence they have bright future.

China has always attaching importance to development of hydro power stations in energy production. China massively producing solar power and wind power as their government gives more subsidies to these manufacturers.

India should develop hydro power wherever possible and in addition giving priority to wind power and solar power and developing nuclear energy for energy conservation.