"Glimpses" of 11th Nuclear Energy Conclave

Nuclear Power: Way Forward

One of the main challenges India faces today is to increase the electricity generation capacity many fold, while simultaneously reducing the emission of green house gases for complying with its international commitments. The solution lies in shifting from burning carbonaceous fossil fuel to the use of primary energy sources, such as solar, wind and nuclear. The installed capacity of renewables has witnessed an impressive growth in the recent past and the electricity tariffs from these sources have dropped considerably. However, the intermittency associated with them makes them unsuitable for meeting the demand of the base load. A number of detailed studies conducted in different parts of the world have strongly advocated an optimum mix of renewable and nuclear energy sources as the solution for a carbon free world with plentiful of energy. The cost of nuclear power and the long gestation period for installation, as noticed in recent years are perhaps the most serious concerns which are impeding a rapid capacity growth in the nuclear sector. In view of this the forthcoming Nuclear Conclave is planned to address the issue of economy of nuclear power and to identify ways and means of reduction of its capital cost.

The Scope of 11th Nuclear Conclave

For the last ten years, this annual conclave has been focusing on various key issues in the nuclear power and providing a platform for in-depth deliberations between the stakeholders including decision makers in the government, PSUs and industries in the nuclear sector, foreign suppliers of plants and components and representatives of academia, public and media. It is customary to prepare a summary report of the Conclave which is placed to the government for consideration while planning the road map for future developments.

The 11th Nuclear Conclave is being organized on the theme
"Economics of Nuclear Power- Innovations towards safer & cost effective technologies" - which is planned to include three technical sessions apart from the inaugural session in which top leaders in the government are expected to participate.

In the first technical session, "Growth of Nuclear Power for meeting Base Load demands - Opportunities & Challenges for Indian Manufacturing Industry", there will be presentations on growth of nuclear power through fleet mode implementation of Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) Projects by NPCIL. For the Light Water Reactor (LWR) power projects coming up with foreign technology, lowering the cost and reducing the gestation period will again depend on the extent of localization and the technical competence of Indian industry. Representatives of manufacturing industry will present their preparedness and view-points and will suggest the methods of speedy implementation.

The session on Emerging Technologies for Economy and Enhanced Safety viz, Small & Medium Size Reactors, Passive Heat Removal Systems, Molten Salt Reactors will focus on emerging technologies which have the potential for making significant impacts on the economics and public acceptance of nuclear power. The technology challenges for the long-term sustainability of nuclear energy will also be covered.

The session on Non-Power Applications of Nuclear Energy will highlight the recent expansion of use of nuclear energy in healthcare, food security and municipal waste treatment activities. Challenges in each of these activities with great societal values will be discussed by concerned experts.

The Conclave will be conducted under the stewardship of Dr. Srikumar Banerjee, Chairman, Nuclear Group, IEF; Chancellor, Homi Bhabha National Institute; Former Chairman,AEC,and Secretary,DAE

Organiser: India Energy Forum

The Forum is a unique, independent, not-for-profit, research organisation and represents energy sector as a whole. A team of highly qualified and experienced energy professionals committed for evolving a national energy policy for generation and use of the entire gamut of energy sources, namely, thermal (coal, oil and gas), hydroelectricity, renewables (solar, wind, biogas etc.) and nuclear energy spearhead the activities of the Forum in organizing several annual events. These events provide platforms in which different stakeholders exchange their views to arrive at recommendations which are forwarded to the decision making authorities

The Forum's mission is development of a sustainable and competitive energy sector, promoting an effective regulatory framework, establishing standards for reliable and safety, ensuring an equitable deal for consumers, producers and the utilities, encouraging efficient and eco-friendly development and use of energy and developing new and better technologies to meet the growing energy needs of the society. Its membership includes all the key players of the sector including NTPC, BHEL, NHPC, Power Grid Corporation, Power Finance Corporation, Reliance Energy, Unocal, Alstom and over 120 several highly respected energy experts. It works closely with various chambers and trade associates / associations.

Expected Participation

As in previous years we expect Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office to address the participants and inaugurate the conclave. The Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy is expected to outline the latest status and the growth plan in the immediate future. Several experts including AEC members and former AEC chairmen have indicated their interest in participation. Top officials of Nuclear Power Corporation and captains of Indian nuclear industry including BHEL, L&T, Godrej Boyce, Walchandnagar Industry will join the deliberations along with President Overseas of Rosatom and senior representatives of Westinghouse and EDF. Topics related to R&D, human resource development and regulatory issues will be covered by Directors and senior scientists of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research and Tata Memorial Centre/ Al I MS and Vice-Chancellor, Homi Bhabha National Institute and senior scientists of Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. Representatives from academia and media will also be represented.