'An answer to India's Nuclear energy quest' : Dr M A Kellett

Dr M A Kellett delivering the lecture II Photo Courtesy: Suraj C

Manipal: The Manipal Advanced Research Group (MARG) in association with Manipal University organised a lecture on Jan 20^th on the 'Facets of Nuclear Technology'. Dr. M A Kellett, a renowned nuclear reactor physicist and currently working with the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA), Vienna, Austria was the chief speaker at this lecture.

The pioneering works at the Department of Nuclear Science and Applications of the IAEA were elucidated upon at the lecture. Instances of actions taken by the IAEA towards developing nuclear technology in the fields of health, water resources, environment maintenance and industrial applications were quoted. "The security concerns regarding nuclear fuel have always been a matter of concern. We at the IAEA have always closely monitored the known sites of radioactive contamination, with Monte Carlo in Monaco as our headquarters," said Dr. M A Kellett.

In the health sector, IAEA has conducted several research projects in Positron Emission Topography (PET) and Programme of Cancer Therapy (PACT) to update itself with state-of-the-art medicine and health care. The organisation's work in cyclotron production of medical radio isotopes and usage of radio pharmaceuticals for diagnosis were also discussed at the session.

In perspective of India's position in the Nuclear energy production charts Dr. M A Kellett said, "India has a vast Thorium reserve but is found lacking in Uranium content. The Indian scientists are trying to recuperate by converting thorium to uranium. India can learn from a nation like France that switched over to Nuclear energy way early in the 60's due to shortage of Coal reserves. Despite having a long coastline France has no traces of oil or coal but its technical innovation and diplomatically correct decision to switch over to nuclear energy has been beneficial." In the Asian context, Dr. M A Kellett said that countries like South Korea, China, Japan and Russia that had been hugely successful.

Regarding security related issues, Dr. Kellett said, "The annual count of deaths due to coal mines and gas reserves are more compared to the ones in nuclear reactors which have been quite negatively publicised. One must be aware of the fact that a nation's efficient energy usage depends on its nuclear use because a single kilogram of uranium produces more energy in comparison to a billion tonne of coal."

Sub-edited by: Ami Misra