At UN, India calls for nuclear power rethink

IAEA should support efforts by countries to build public acceptance of nuclear energy, senior official says

India has declared that nuclear energy is vital for meeting the challenge of climate change and suggested supporting efforts to promote its public acceptance amid growing opposition to nuclear power and plans by some countries to phase out their atomic generation plants.

“Nuclear power remains an important option to meet the challenges of increased energy demand, address concerns about climate change, redress volatile fossil fuel prices and ensure security of the energy supply,” Sandeep Kumar Bayyapu, a first secretary in India’s UN Mission told the General Assembly on Friday.

Therefore, he said the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) should support efforts by countries to build public acceptance of nuclear energy and continue to help them start or expand nuclear energy programmes.

‘Inherent viability’

Nuclear reactors do not produce greenhouse gases like power plants using coal and, therefore, can increase electricity generation without contributing to climate change.

They can provide a steady supply of electricity unlike solar and wind power sources that need the sun or wind, and are not affected by fluctuations in water availability like hydroelectric plants.

Bayyapu advocated building advanced fission reactors, including fast reactors, that use nuclear fuel more efficiently and reduce radioactive waste.

Speaking during the debate on the IAEA’s annual report, he presented thorium-based technologies as solutions to other objections to nuclear plants, saying thorium-based fuel cycles and technologies are inherently less susceptible to be used for weapons production.

According to the Department of Atomic Energy, India is planning to more than treble its nuclear power generation from the current 6,780 megawatts to 22,480mw by 2031. India has seen opposition to its nuclear plants. Many European countries are moving away from nuclear energy citing risks.

Sandeep K. Bayyapu | Indian diplomat