The first report on how India achieves nuclear safety

The article is a summary of the first National report for the Convention on Nuclear Safety submitted by India in September 2007 to the fourth Review Meeting of Contracting parties to be held in April 2008

K.S.Parthasarathy





Date:13/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/seta/2007/12/13/stories/2007121350101500.htm Sci Tech



The first report on how India achieves nuclear safety

It lists important safety improvements at each power station, starting with Tarapur

The average capacity factor for the Indian nuclear reactors for 2005-06 was 74 per cent

Among other measures, reduction of radiation doses to workers is notable

Recent debates on the Indo-US agreement for cooperation concerning the peaceful use of nuclear energy compelled the media to look at nuclear power more benignly. Members of the public realised for the first time that nuclear power has a role to play in the energy mix of the country. Those who have concerns on nuclear safety, must read the first ‘National Report for the Convention on Nuclear Safety (September 2007),’ to find out how India achieves nuclear safety . (Please see www.aerb.gov.in or www.dae.gov.in for the text of the report.)

Measures explained

The 208 page report explains the measures taken by India to implement the Convention on Nuclear Safety, the first international legal instrument dealing directly with the safety of civilian nuclear power plants. The Fourth Review Meeting of the Contracting Parties scheduled to be held in April 2008 will examine the report along with 13 others including those from Canada, France, Russia and U.S. The international peer review is unique to the nuclear industry.

The report highlights the steps taken to implement Articles 6 to 19 (Chapter 2 titled ‘Obligations’). It lists important safety improvements at each power station starting with the Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) which began its operation in 1969. The comprehensive safety review and implementation of safety up-gradations for continued operation of TAPS-1 and 2 are notable.

The report gives graphically the electrical power generated by each reactor in India and its availability and capacity factors. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) deserves congratulations for consistent performance for the past few years.

The average capacity factor for the Indian nuclear power reactors for 2005-06 was 74 per cent. India must compete with other countries now. The U.S. recorded an average capacity factor of 89.6 per cent in 2006 for 105 reactors with 29 reactors exceeding 95 per cent. The comprehensive safety assessments carried out after major events such as the accident at Three Mile Island in the U.S. and that at Chernobyl in the former Soviet Union are very informative. NPCIL implemented the recommendations arising from these assessments.

Following the pressure tube failure incident at the Pickring-2 reactor in Canada, India introduced a major programme to ensure the integrity of the pressure tubes in Indian Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors by enhancing the design as well as in-service-inspection and rehabilitation technologies.

The thoroughness with which AERB reviewed the fire incident at Narora in March 1993 and the tsunami incident at Kalpakkam in December 2004 and ensured implementation of its recommendations is reassuring.

Seismic re-evaluation of old generation reactors, enhanced inspection of certain systems and components, ageing management and reduction of radiation doses to workers are notable.

The directive prescribing ‘formal and elaborate retraining and re-licensing of all the frontline operating staff and the station management personnel’ following a safety-related incident at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station reflects the no-nonsense attitude of AERB

The report describes the legislative and regulatory framework including the Atomic Energy Act 1962 and the rules framed under it and other legal instruments such as Indian Electricity Act 2003, Environment (Protection) Act 1986 etc.

It highlights the functions and responsibilities of AERB, the Board’s organisational structure and its position in the government which ensures administrative and financial independence in its functioning.
Forum member

AERB participates in the activities of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

It is a member of the forum for the CANDU senior regulators with six other countries operating pressurized heavy water reactors. AERB and the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission have held several meetings on safety related topics.

The Board has a cooperation agreement with the French Directorate General of Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection and the Federal Nuclear and Radiation Safety Authority of Russia.

The measures India takes to comply with other Articles covering the responsibilities of the licensee, financial and human resources, capabilities and limitations of human performance, quality assurance, assessment and verification of safety, radiation protection, siting, design and construction and emergency preparedness are very comprehensive.
Acronyms, jargon

The report contains some tongue-twisting acronyms and incomprehensible jargon (defendable as the report is meant for scientists and engineers!); it also contains a wealth of useful information patiently collected, collated and interpreted from government documents, incident reports, minutes of meetings and publications.

The feedback from the review meetings will help to enhance nuclear safety in countries operating nuclear power plants.

K.S.PARTHASARATHY

Former Secretary, AERB

( ksparth@yahoo.co.uk )

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