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India's BARC to build thorium based reactor without exclusion zone
Inside the high-security Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) off Mumbais northern fringe, nuclear scientists are designing next-generation nuclear reactors with a target lifespan of 100 years. Apsara, the oldest research reactor, turned 50 this year and reactors worldwide usually survive 40 to 60 years.They are also currently trying to convince atomic regulatory experts that a prototype 300 MW reactor under design since the 90s can be operated, for the first time, without the mandatory protective barrier of a 1.6-km no-mans land or radiation exclusion zone. The site search and safety review for the prototype are currently going on. A 100-year lifespan is one of our reactor design objectives. It is achievable, Srikumar Banerjee, BARC director, told Hindustan Times in an exclusive interview. We also want to scientifically prove that the prototype reactor is safe enough not to need an exclusion zone. Advanced safety features would ensure there will be no accident or, in case of an accident, no question of atmospheric dispersion of radiation. At a time when the India-US nuclear deal has focused attention on the potential import of nuclear reactors to power energy demands, Banerjee emphasised that BARC with over 4,000 scientists is simultaneously ensuring that indigenous effort on reactor life management, safety and economics never slackens. Now, even coal-sufficient states like West Bengal and Jharkhand want nuclear power plants, said Banerjee, adding that nuclear power is the best sustainable alternative to avoid turning into one of the worlds worst polluting nations as electricity consumption rises. Indias huge energy demand needs additional reactors, indigenous and imported there is no conflict. The prototype 300 MW Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) will be the worlds first power reactor to use thorium-based fuel, with passive or automated safety features that minimise human operations. Ompal Singh, secretary, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), said pre-licensing review of the prototype is underway. The issue of the exclusion zone will be taken up in the next detailed licensing review. Globally, nuclear scientists have similar goals for future technology. Banerjee said the aim is to start construction during the 11th Plan period. The AHWR is totally innovative. The construction plan is ready, said Banerjee. The International Atomic Energy Agency has also given it favourable comments. Posted by: john 2006-12-24 |
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