Nuclear power must to achieve the target of net-zero: IAEA chief

Mumbai: Nuclear power can play a pivotal role to mitigate the adverse effect of climate change and has a tremendous potential to achieve the target of net-zero in a sustainable way, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said on Wednesday.

According to him, India is emerging in a leadership role to boost the civil nuclear applications for societal benefits of mankind at global level.

During his visit to Mumbai, Grossi held bilateral talks with Dr Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Chairman Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and Secretary Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

The discussions were related to the advancement in various useful applications of nuclear energy particularly in agriculture, health, water treatment and food preservation technology along with the importance of nuclear power to generate electricity in a clean and safe way in achieving the target of net-zero.

While discussing the role of nuclear energy for harnessing peace and development, he was also briefed about the various future technologies and societal applications of nuclear energy, taken up by DAE.

The chief of the international nuclear watchdog also applauded India's impeccable contribution as a responsible nuclear power country, particularly highlighting the remarkable development and growth of indigenous nuclear power plants and the impeccable safety record.

“The safety record of Indian nuclear power plants, comparable with international benchmarks,” he said lauding the Indian nuclear establishment and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL).