Eminent nuclear scientist Dr. A.K. Tyagi emphasized the importance of harnessing nuclear science for India's sustainable development, particularly in the context of climate change and growing energy demands.
Dr. Tyagi highlighted nuclear power's reliability and sustainability in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change effects. He advocated for developing advanced reactor technologies, including thorium reactors and small modular reactors, to enhance efficiency and safety.
Dr. Tyagi also discussed nuclear science's applications in agriculture, medicine, and material science, such as:
- Radioisotopes for diagnostic imaging and cancer treatment
- Radiation processing techniques for food preservation
Dr. Tyagi noted that focusing on nuclear energy can directly contribute to achieving eight of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to affordable and clean energy.
Dr. Tyagi highlighted India's vast thorium deposits, which can be utilized for nuclear energy generation, causing minimal pollution compared to coal and other fuels.
The lecture is part of a week-long distinguished lecture series organized by the Odisha chapter of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) at various institutions, including SOA, IIT Bhubaneswar, IMMT Bhubaneswar, and NISER Bhubaneswar. Other notable speakers include Dr. Kota Harinarayana, Dr. V. Narayanan, and Dr. Binay Kumar Das.