Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) plays a crucial role in ensuring that nuclear energy and radiation are used safely in India. The recent operation license granted to the two 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat marks an important milestone in India's nuclear energy development. Here's an in-depth look at the AERB and the significance of this recent development:

About the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)

The AERB is India's primary nuclear and radiation safety authority, tasked with ensuring that the use of nuclear energy and ionizing radiation does not pose undue risks to public health and the environment. The AERB is an autonomous body constituted by the President of India under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and operates under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

Mission of the AERB

• Safety Assurance: Its core mission is to ensure that the application of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy does not harm the health of the public or the environment.

• Regulatory Oversight: It oversees the safety and security aspects of nuclear energy, nuclear installations, radiation facilities, and the handling of radioactive materials in India.

• Public Health and Environmental Safety: AERB ensures that nuclear plants meet safety standards to prevent radiation accidents and contamination, thus protecting both human health and the environment.

Constitution and Structure

• Constitution: The AERB was constituted in 1983, and its regulatory functions are derived from the Atomic Energy Act and the Environment Protection Act, 1986.

• Board Members: The AERB consists of six members, including the Chairman and two whole-time members. Other members are experts from relevant fields, and the executive functions are vested in the Chairman.

• Regional Regulatory Centres (RRCs): AERB operates regional centres at Kolkata, Chennai, and New Delhi to oversee the safety of nuclear and radiation facilities across different parts of India.

Recent Development at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS)

• Operation Licence for New Reactors: The AERB has granted an operation license to two 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat. This is a significant development in India's nuclear energy program and represents the indigenization of nuclear technology in India.

• Significance of the New Reactors:

  • Indigenous Technology: These reactors are part of India’s push to develop self-sufficiency in nuclear power production and technology. The 700 MWe reactors are based on indigenous heavy water technology.

  • Increased Capacity: These reactors will increase India's nuclear energy capacity, contributing to the country's energy security and reducing its dependency on fossil fuels. Nuclear energy is an important component of India’s strategy to diversify its energy mix and meet future energy needs.

  • Safety Standards: The reactors have passed rigorous safety assessments, with AERB ensuring that the plant meets international safety norms. This move also signals India's growing capabilities in nuclear reactor technology.

Role and Regulatory Functions of AERB

The AERB has several key roles and responsibilities in the nuclear sector, including:

• Licensing: AERB's license is mandatory for entities using nuclear energy or ionizing radiation. This ensures compliance with safety standards and regulations.

• Safety Research: The Safety Research Institute (SRI), located at Kalpakkam, conducts research on nuclear safety and related issues to improve the safety of nuclear plants and facilities in India.

• Surveillance and Inspections: The Regional Regulatory Centres (RRCs) perform regular inspections and surveillance of nuclear plants to ensure compliance with safety protocols and international standards.

AERB's Key Safety Functions

• Radiation Safety: Ensuring safety in the use of ionizing radiation in medical, industrial, and research applications.

• Regulatory Oversight of Nuclear Plants: Monitoring the construction, operation, and decommissioning of nuclear plants, including routine inspections to ensure compliance with regulatory safety guidelines.

• Accident Prevention: Ensuring the plants have effective safety mechanisms in place, including emergency protocols for preventing accidents.

India’s Nuclear Energy Expansion

India has been increasing its nuclear power generation capacity over the years, with a strong focus on indigenous technologies. The licensing of the 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors at KAPS is a key part of this effort.

• Nuclear Energy in India: India has been ramping up its nuclear energy capacity as part of a diversified energy strategy to meet its growing energy demands while reducing carbon emissions. Nuclear energy is seen as a clean and reliable energy source that can help reduce India’s dependence on coal and other fossil fuels.

• Indigenous Reactor Technology: The 700 MWe reactors represent self-reliance in nuclear technology. India has developed pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs) based on its own designs, which are tailored to the country’s specific needs, including the use of natural uranium as fuel.

• Global Context: The safe operation of these reactors, under AERB’s strict regulatory oversight, also strengthens India’s position as a responsible nuclear power on the global stage.