(a) whether adequate arrangements have been made for the disposal of nuclear
energy waste;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government scrutinizes the history and service of nuclear fuel
supplying companies before placing orders;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the approximate cost of nuclear energy per unit for both industrial and
household utility when the energy Production increases as per Indo-US nuclear deal?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES
(INDEPENDENT CHARGE), PMO, PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS(SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)
(a) Yes, Sir, adequate arrangements have been made for the disposal of nuclear
energy waste.
(b) Radioactive waste management facilities are located at seven DAE centres,
namely Trombay, Tarapur, Kalpakkam, Rawatbhata, Narora, Kakrapar and Kaiga.These
facilities have been designed, constructed and commissioned based on the research
and development programme which was initiated four decades ago alongwith the
inception of nuclear energy programme in the country.The facilities incorporate
waste management systems for treatment and disposal of radioactive waste
generated in the form of gas, liquid and solid.
Radioactive gaseous waste is decontaminated at source by treatment processes like
demisters, adsorption, filtration through high efficiency particulate air filters
etc. and after monitoring, discharged through tall stacks for further dispersion.
Radioactive liquid and solid waste is categorised as low, intermediate and high
level radioactive waste based on the activity content. The waste is segregated and
provided treatment to retain bulk of the radioactivity.
Low & Intermediate level radioactive liquid wastes are subjected to treatment
such as chemical,ion exchange,evaporation and membrane separation.The bulk of
the radioactivity is removed and conditioned in a suitable matrix like cement.
The solidified waste is packaged in suitable containers and are stored/disposed in
near surface disposal facilities.These facilities are designed on multi-barrier
principle and have elaborate monitoring and surveillance provisions.The treated
effluents are monitored and discharged well within the authorized limits to the
environment.
High level waste is vitrified into borosilicate glass matrix and encapsulated in
steel canisters.These canisters are later stored for interim period in specially
made air cooled facilities.
(c) & (d) A duly constituted Standing Committee carries out the
techno-commercial evaluation of all nuclear fuel supplies before orders are
placed.
(e) The estimated tariff of nuclear power from reactors to be set up with
international cooperation will be known after commercial agreements are concluded.