Rafael Grossi, Chief of the IAEA, Lauds India’s Nuclear Initiatives and Urges Regulatory Independence
In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed his admiration for India’s evolving nuclear energy strategy, emphasizing the nation’s goal of achieving 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear capacity by 2047. Standing in front of a portrait of the iconic Mahatma Gandhi, Grossi articulated a vision where technology, particularly nuclear energy, should serve humanity, aligning with India’s aspirations for a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future.
India’s ambitious nuclear expansion plan comes as the nation seeks to enhance its energy output amid its status as one of the world’s emerging economic powers. The planned increase in nuclear energy production represents a significant shift from its current contributions to the overall electricity generation landscape. As per the report by NDTV, Grossi noted, “India is one of the emerging global powers, and its economy is among the largest in the world, requiring ever-growing amounts of energy to sustain this growth.” He highlighted nuclear power’s reliability and adaptability as crucial components in meeting India’s increasing energy demands.
The timeline for this ambitious project coincides with India’s commitments to transition towards cleaner energy sources and bolster economic growth. India’s current reliance on traditional energy sources is under scrutiny, making this planned expansion into nuclear energy not just beneficial but necessary. “If any country can do it, it is India. India has the technological base, the industrial base, and the manpower. I don’t see any major obstacles preventing this incremental growth,” Grossi asserted, demonstrating confidence in India’s capabilities.
However, the growth of nuclear energy in India is not without challenges. While Grossi has expressed optimism, he underscored the necessity for implementing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These innovative reactors represent a pivotal element of India’s nuclear strategy and are poised to significantly contribute to decarbonizing energy-intensive industries. “SMRs are popular because they offer several attractive characteristics,” Grossi explained. Their compact size allows for quicker deployment, making them an accessible option for various nations, including developing countries.
India’s Nuclear Regulatory Landscape: A Call for Independence
Despite the promising outlook for India’s nuclear ambitions, Grossi emphasized an urgent need for a more independent regulatory framework within the country. He argued that having a regulatory authority free from the influence of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is essential for fostering a culture of safety and security. “This is clearly the best practice. An independent regulator is extremely important because you need a technical body that speaks truth to power,” he stated. Presently, India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) operates within the DAE, which poses potential conflicts of interest.
The current structure of India’s nuclear regulatory environment is under scrutiny, with critics pointing out that the DAE’s dual role—regulating safety while promoting nuclear energy—could jeopardize public safety. Grossi’s advocacy for an independent regulatory body resonates with international standards and practices, marking a crucial point in India’s nuclear development agenda.
Global Perspectives on Nuclear Leadership and Challenges
Turning his attention beyond India, Grossi spoke candidly about the global nuclear governance landscape. He reflected on the IAEA’s foundational vision of ‘Atoms for Peace,’ which seeks to balance the promotion of peaceful nuclear energy with the imperative of preventing nuclear weapons proliferation. “The number of nuclear-armed nations has grown. Without the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the IAEA, and the safeguard system, we would likely see dozens more nuclear-armed states, leading to greater international instability,” he explained, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding global nuclear arms control.
With the geopolitical landscape shifting—especially under the evolving backdrop of U.S. relations with NATO—there are increasing fears related to nuclear proliferation in Europe. As Grossi mentioned, the IAEA continues to strive for non-proliferation, but enforcing restraint amid a fragmented global order remains a formidable challenge.
India’s Unique Nuclear Position and Future Potential
India’s nuclear capabilities are set apart by its extensive, self-sufficient infrastructure. Unlike many nations, India manages every aspect of its nuclear program, from mining uranium to designing reactors and reprocessing spent nuclear fuel. “During my tenure, I worked closely with India and other aspiring nations because they had demonstrated their role as responsible global nuclear players,” Grossi remarked, underlining India’s growing influence in nuclear discussions despite being outside the NPT framework.
Additionally, India has long advocated for full membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), which governs nuclear trade. Grossi endorsed this ambition, recognizing the increasing role that India can play in shaping global nuclear policy.
However, an ongoing debate regarding India’s Civil Nuclear Liability Act poses a challenge for international nuclear partnerships. This legislation is viewed as “people-friendly,” contrasting with the more industry-favorable models adopted in other countries. “A strong liability framework is essential, providing adequate compensation in the unlikely event of an accident. Both sides should engage in dialogue to find a solution,” Grossi noted, acknowledging the complexity of the issue as negotiations with U.S. and French nuclear suppliers continue.
Thorium: A Sustainable Future for India’s Energy Landscape
One of the more ambitious ventures within India’s nuclear strategy is the emphasis on thorium-based fuel cycles. India boasts abundant thorium reserves, presenting a unique opportunity for future energy generation. Unlike conventional uranium reactors, thorium reactors yield less long-lived radioactive waste, thereby minimizing proliferation risks. As Grossi acknowledged, while global nuclear infrastructure currently relies on uranium, thorium could eventually play a significant role in diversifying energy sources.
In concluding his insights, Grossi affirmed the IAEA’s ongoing commitment to collaborating with India, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an intelligent energy mix. As India continues to position itself as a leader in nuclear energy, the country faces both immense opportunities and pressing challenges. The path ahead requires a careful balance of ambition, regulatory independence, and international cooperation to ensure that the benefits of nuclear technology serve humanity, as envisioned by Gandhi.
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