JOIN US'India may become nuclear technology exporter'
He was delivering a special lecture on “The future of civil nuclear energy: An empirical assessment” organised at Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE) in the city on Saturday.
Prof Paul said that despite none of the nuclear leaders in the country are claiming it, the possibility can be contemplated. He observed that nuclear reliance for small states is very less, however, for wealthy states nuclear reliance increases.
Citing statistics developed by the World Nuclear Association, he said that around 400 nuclear power plants will be under construction by 2013. Further, he said that by 2020, the nuclear power plants are set to increase to 520 in 39 countries.
Expressing his opinion on the Indo-US nuclear accord, he said that the general feeling in the US is very positive. However, a small minority who are totally against nuclear power generation, are voicing their opposition, he said. The accord removes the obstacle of availability of nuclear fuel, but it does little to solve the technical challenges involved, he opined.
Discussing about the problems of nuclear waste, he said that countries are working to solve this problem and a suitable solution can be obtained for these problems.
Speaking on the occasion, SJCE principal, B G Sangameshwar said that universities will have important role to play in nuclear research. He said that such programmes should be held for public as well. He observed that Indian Nuclear Society has a huge role to educate public.