Fuel recycling to solve nuclear power needs of the nation: Kakodkar

Kolkata, May 22 (UNI) Eminent Indian scientist and Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission of India Dr Anil Kakodkar today showcased Nuclear Fuel Recycling as a sustainable solution to India's nuclear energy needs.

Speaking at a cultural function held here by the Ram Mohan Mission, where he was conferred the Raja Ram Mohan Puraskar 2007, Dr Kakodkar said, ''The focus is now on developemt of environmentally safe and sustainable nuclear energy to make India self-reliant in enegy.'' Talking to newspersons in connection with the nuclear fuel recycling in India, he said, ''Our stand in this regard has been very clear from the beginning. India has adopted the option of fuel recycling and reprocessing.

''Spent fuel needs to be properly utilised and processed in a manner which will be environmentally safe and sustainable. India needs sustainable energy resources. Fuel recycling cuts down waste, produces 60 - 80 times greater energy from the same amount of fuel,'' the scientist observed.

He further said that India was not the only country opting for spent fuel recycling. ''France has also done the same,'' he added.

Elaborating on projects undertaken by the Department of Atomic Energy, he mentioned the first commercial Fuel Fast Breeder Test Reactor that is presently being constructed in Kalpakkam Tamil Nadu.

''According to the July 18, 2005 agreement, we can negotiate the issue of allowing private companies into nuclear projects in the country and venture into nuclear fuel recycling,'' he added.

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