nuclear-the future energy

Nuclear -the future energy

in context of future energy requirement assumes great importance in providing viable solution. Presently indicated uranium  will permit in pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR). The plutonium derived from operating PHWRs will be effectively deployed along with depleted uranium 238 the fast breeder reactors. This will  permit more efficient exploitation of energy potential in uranium. Following (FBTR) fast breeder test reactor ,the focus of effort will be progressively shift towards development 500 M.W. e prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR).

All the necessary support for country’s future nuclear energy program now with competence of Indian industry. We could create a breeder reactor in three easy steps.

construct natural uranium fuelled  heavy water reactors which would produce  electrical power and as a by product plutonium.

Construct plutonium fast breeder reactor for power and plutonium as well as U-233 using thorium

And later on build U-233  thorium breeder reactors

To sustain that size of nuclear program to long time future, it would be necessary to switch over a regime a regime that uses fuel more effectively than once through cycle.

French president -nuclear energy

In a interview to times of India French president MR. Nicolas Sarkozy lays out his vision for strong relations with India in nuclear energy. French president   said   “about on going nuclear program discussion between  Areva and NPCIL nuclear power corporation of India concern  the construction of the first two of series of EPRs. More precisely there are two draft agreement ,one preparation for building reactors and other on delivering the reactors and fuel.”

French president added “ France as you know was the first champion India’s cause around world on the issue of civil nuclear power. We were the first to call for an end to isolation in which India found herself since 1998 and for her to be allowed to co-operate with other partners in this field. We did this because India has always behaved impeccably on proliferation issues and because India needs civil nuclear energy which is a clean energy in order to develop .”

He added “  France was also first country to sign co-operation  agreement with   India on civil nuclear energy, during prime minister Mr. Man Mohan Singh visit to Paris in September  2008. The discussions between Areva and Npcil   are now translating to historic partnership launched at the time  into industrial reality.

“you ask me whether we will be able to sign the agreement between Areva and NPCIL during visit, what I can tell you is that discussions are continuing and that we are doing well all we can to achieve this goal.”

In relating to nuclear liability bill recently passed by India the French president said “it perfectly under stand able and even to their credit that India authorities  should seek to ensure to the highest level protection to victims. This must be done in a way  that complies with the principal of legal certainty and not least that can facilitate the development of India civil nuclear program by establishing hard and fast rules that are consistent with international principals for India and foreign companies operating in the sector. All we are saying that we would like India to adopt rules and procedures that are consistent with international practice in this area as enshrined in the Vienna convention. I will of course discuss this matter with prime minister Manmohn  Singh ,we are able to consult to each other on all issues  in a atmosphere of great trust. He is a man  of great wisdom for whom I have a great esteem.”


Nuclear power -2050

India’s nuclear power share will be almost 25 per cent by 2050 which comes mainly from fast breeder reactor (FBR) particularly  from sodium cooled fast reactor (SFR) Dr.Baldev Raj distinguish scientist and director ,Indira Gandhi centre for atomic research center said recently.

“Success full operation of 40 M.W. (thermal) equivalent to 13 M.W. electric capacity fast breeder test reactor (FBTR) over 25 years construction of 500 M.W. pro to type fast breeder reactor to be commissioned by 2011 will make fast breeder reactors as most essential  and inevitable for realization of nuclear contribution projected in India “ Raj said.

“A systematic road map has been conceived towards gradual introduction FBR  to generate about 3.5 G.W. by 2023.  Metallic fuel is planned   to be introduced through  1000 M.W.  units by 2025. “ he said speaking at a national conference on advances of nuclear technology organized by DAE and Indian national academy of engineers.

“It is envisaged that six more such units similar to PFBR will be commissioned by 2023. Subsequently a series of 1000 M.W.  metallic core FBR would be constructed to realize the nuclear contribution completely.”

“The fast breeder class of reactor are under public sector Bharatiya Nabhiklya Vidyut Nigam Limited  ( BHAVINI) a sister concern of NPCIL.”

“ To achieve this mission the challenges in SFR technology have been brought . The operating experiences of PFBR, R&D out puts and will be planned R&D activities are being carrying out for future SFRs to achieve targeted economically and safety.”

“These provide high confidence on full filling the mission of SFR development. SFR will be an inevitable option at least up to 2050.”

“Establishing the techno economic viability through sodium fast reactors with mixed uranium plutonium oxide (MOX) fuel and fuel cycle design for long life nuclear reactors 100 years significantly. Reduction of capital cost and fuel cycle cost metallic fuel  with breeding to achieve shorter doubling time, construction of series of large reactors 1000 M.W. e with co-located fuel cycle facilities  are some of the calibrated priorities for India .”” DR.Balder Raj said.

Beyond 2050,other potential options such as renewable energy especially for distributed energy sources, thorium based technology, economical and sustainable hydrogen based system are likely emerge the scientist said.

By 2050 fast breeder reactors particularly sodium cooled reactors will take Indian nuclear power 25 per cent out of total installed power capacity and by reducing co2 emissions in the atmosphere.