India’s nuclear energy policy has garnered international praise, with Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), acknowledging the country’s growing role in the global nuclear technology market.
During his recent visit to India, Grossi met with top policymakers and discussed India’s potential not only to meet its domestic energy needs but also to emerge as a major player in the global nuclear technology sector.
In an exclusive interview with the Times of India, Grossi emphasized that India has developed world-class nuclear technology, which has been bolstered through indigenous advancements.
While India currently operates 20 nuclear reactors, Grossi believes the country is well-positioned to expand its nuclear power generation capacity.
He lauded the Indian government’s target of generating 100 GW from nuclear energy and expressed confidence that this goal is attainable.
Grossi further encouraged India to focus on becoming a major supplier in the global nuclear market.
IAEA Chief Expresses Concern Over Iran’s Nuclear Activities
Grossi also addressed concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear program, which has raised alarms globally.
Although Iran has not yet equipped itself with nuclear weapons, Grossi highlighted that the country enriches uranium to weapons-grade levels, an action that remains a serious concern.
He pointed out that Iran has failed to respond to numerous critical questions from the IAEA in recent times, which has added to the uncertainty about the direction of its nuclear ambitions.
In his interview with the Times of India, Grossi discussed a recent meeting in Beijing between Russia, China, and Iran, which some international observers saw as a positive development.
However, he reiterated that the international community needs clear answers regarding Iran’s nuclear activities.
He described ongoing communication between the U.S. and Iran as a potential sign of diplomatic engagement but stressed that a swift resolution to the matter is crucial for global security.
Ongoing Threat To Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant In Ukraine
The situation at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant continues to be a grave concern, according to Grossi.
He warned that the plant, located in a war zone, remains vulnerable to attacks, with previous incidents disrupting its power supply and even causing a fire in one of its cooling towers last year.
Despite the presence of IAEA inspectors, Grossi cautioned that the risk of a nuclear accident persists as long as the conflict continues.
He expressed hope that the war would soon come to an end through ceasefire and peace talks, underscoring the urgent need for a diplomatic solution to mitigate the threat to the nuclear facility.
India’s Nuclear Energy Sector: Expanding And Evolving
Grossi praised India’s nuclear energy sector for its impressive strides in self-reliance.
He noted that although India’s contribution of nuclear energy to the national power grid remains limited, the country is significantly increasing its share.
He emphasized that India focuses on indigenous nuclear technology, initially developed with Western support, but now increasingly driven by domestic innovation.
Grossi highlighted India’s decision to allow private sector participation in the nuclear energy industry as a forward-thinking move.
He acknowledged that nuclear energy requires substantial investment, and the government cannot shoulder the financial burden alone.
By encouraging private investment in public-private partnerships (PPP) and small modular reactors (SMRs), India is positioning itself for long-term success in the nuclear energy market.
Grossi stated that this policy aligns with global energy needs and will contribute to the country’s energy security and self-reliance.
As India continues to grow its nuclear energy sector, Grossi’s remarks underscore the country’s potential to become a leader in the global energy landscape, particularly in the realm of clean and sustainable energy solutions.
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