India's efforts to hike nuclear capacity addition is laudable. However, the country will have to relook at its nuclear liability regime as it will difficult to suppliers including Indian companies to bear the risk as stipulated. In an interview with Sanjay Jog, Henri Chapotot, president, French Nuclear Industry Association explains his view points.
Q : India's nuclear capacity addition programme is currently passing through a rough weather especially due to rising opposition. Whats the way forward?
A :It is a matter of a communication. It is all about of acceptance and acceptibility by people. However, I am of the firm view that apprehensions about nuclear energy will be cleared through proper communication, interaction especially with people residing in 30 km radiaus of the nuclear plant and also through organising plant visits. Nuclear energy is clean and safe energy. I am quite confident India will be able to address these concerns and carry out its capacity addition plans. Nuclear energy is the need of hour.
I will give you my personal example. I had recently visited nuclear plant at Pacs situated in Budapest where you will find bouquet of flowers and people all around. There has been 90 per cent acceptance of the people.
Q :Post Fukushima country after country is reducing nuclear energy plans especially in view of safety concerns. What is your take?
A :Following the Fukushima accident nuclear countries have undertaken series of initiatives to address those concerns. Additional safety applications have been incorporated. As far as Fukushima accident was concerned, it occured due to tsunami but it may not be possible in some other country. The French industry has undertaken a strong nuclear safety programme on a "deterministic" approach, under the control of the French Nuclear Safety Agency. It will in particular cover the risk of simultaneous loss of electric power and coolant water. A robust and complete system of protection against nuclear radciation has been achieved by the French nuclear industry.
Q :However, French government has decided to bring down nuclear energy share to 50 per cent from 75 per cent. What is your comment?
A : This won't happen in short duration it will take long time. The present government wants balance 50 per cent to be achieved through renewable energy sources. In Germany too, the government has taken a decision to go in for gas based addition. However, I still feel that nuclear energy is important solution although not the only solution to address the issue of climate change and reduce carbondioxide. No country can solely rely on renewable energy sources and therefore there is no alternative to nuclear energy.
Q :Jaitapur project where French major Areva will supply initially two reactors of 1,650 MW is facing strong opposition from locals. Has Areva addressed safety related issues?
A :I reiterate that the issue can be addressed through proper communication with people. Areva will certainly incorporated additional safety measures and I sincerely hope the company will be able to successfully meet its commitments.
Q :Global companies have raised concerns over India's liability regime. Can you throw some light?
A :There are bigger risks involved for global as well as Indian companies in the present nuclear liability regime. If a supplier invests few millions in the wake of any accident it will have to provide billions. No insurance company will be ready to provide that much insurance cover. If any incident occurs there will not be limit on liabilities. India needs to revisit the present liability regime which has come into existence following the enactment of law and the subsequent rules. As far liabilities in France and other nuclear countries, there are no similar issues involved.
As per the liability rules, ordinary citizens have the right to sue suppliers for any amount and any time after an accident which could be even after several years. It is very difficult to bear such a big risks by any supplier including Indian company.
