BHUBANESWAR: The first phase of much awaited fast breeder nuclear reactor will be commissioned soon. The sodium cooled mixed oxide fuelled pool type reactor being built at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu is the world’s first reactor for commercial use.
Member of Atomic Energy Commission Ravi Bhushan Grover, who was here on Thursday to deliver Technology Day lecture organised by Nalco, said the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) will be functional by end of this year or early next year.
Homi Bhabha Chair Professor Grover said after one year of installation of the first reactor, two more units will be installed at Kalpakkam. The first reactor will be of the capacity of 500 megawatt electric (MWe).
Speaking on ‘Importance of energy and role of nuclear energy in global energy mix’, he said the demand for energy can be a threat to lifestyle because of inequality among consumers and issues of economic and political stability.
‘’While the current per capita requirement of power is 1,410 terawatt hour, it will increase to 8,000 terawatt hour in next few decades. As the country’s coal reserve will be finished in five to six decades, hydro or nuclear energy is the only way out. Solar and wind power cannot match the requirement of peak hour demand,’’ he said.
Given all the constraints of conventional resources and limitations of renewable resources, Grover emphasised on usage of nuclear energy considering the emerging demand in the country. Rising demand requires efficient use of energy as well as its affordability, he said.
Grover stressed on evolution of technology to address issues pertaining to energy generation and consumption while focusing on safety, security and sustainability.
Nalco CMD Tapan Kumar Chand said use of new technologies in various fields is likely to bring in drastic changes in the employment pattern, for which industries need to prepare themselves.
‘’Nalco has adopted the EMRION-Nano technology for the first time globally for effluent treatment. The technology can be put to use in fluoride affected regions and benefit the society,’’ he said.
Among others, Director (Project and Technical) SK Roy also spoke. On the occasion, Nalco Utkal Gaurav Madhusudan Das quality awards were conferred on organisations for their outstanding practices and results achieved through implementation of total quality management in different categories.