Whatever deal: 123 or 789: the overriding consideration should be the strategic interests of India in the long run. Thorium route may not have matured right now. Till we achieve technological maturity in fission and fusion reactions, our coal and hydroelectric options can be exploited. We should not subject ourselves to the ditates of foreign powers; even in nuclear energy. Dr. K.Natarajan; Professor.
RE:Country's Interests are the Foremost Criteria
by Jit Dutta on Oct 23, 2007 09:46 AM Permalink
Dear Professor Natarajan, Good points. Here is the rub though, India doesn't have enough Uranium on its own to keep the existing nuclear plants running (please see today's The Hindu article that 5 nuclear plants shut down due to lack of fuel). Without this deal, no imported fuel for India. No not even from Russia which is a NSG founding member.
As for depending on coal for major power source, it can be a bit dicey for the future generation with all those polluted water, and global warming from coal power plant pollution. Just ask our Chinese friends about the environmental cost of their coal fired plants. They are now going a big way for nuclear power, they even ordered several nuclear power plants from western and US companies. Everything has a price, Professor. Questions is what is the least bad option, what option you and your grandchildren can live with while also providing jobs and electricity for a billion plus population.
RE:Country's Interests are the Foremost Criteria
by Krishnier Natarajan on Oct 23, 2007 02:21 PM Permalink
Dear Mr. Dutta:
I am aware that coal WILL create CO2 loading and global warming too. I have published several Papers on these. But, remember, it wil create atmospheric pollution and greenhouse gases dispersed across the GLOBE: not just India. My important observation is that our country's strategic interests cannot be compromised for the sake of energy, for which we do have alternative solutions: though, suboptimal. Even nuclear energy can be disastrous: e.g. Chernobyl. We need to go in for thorium route in the long run. And till then coal or hydro may be the solution. You yourself have agreed that our nuclear reactors are getting shut down for want of uranium. Is it not blackmail by the nuclear group including China? Self reliance wil pay in the long run. Nevertheless, I do agree that we should go in for 123 agreement provided US and the NSG agree to conditions that will not put highly objectionable conditions that will amount to compromising on our sovereignty. I appreciate your intelligent response. Prof. Natarajan.
