Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC), Hyderabad, in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) , has organized an International Conference on Characterization and Quality Control of Nuclear Fuels (CQCNF)-2022, at Homi J Bhabha Convention Centre, Hyderabad, between 17th- 19th November, 2022. The conference was attended by over 250 delegates, from various countries such as Canada, Russia, Kazhaksthan, Spain, USA & Iran and from various units of the Department of Atomic Energy and premier institutes of the country.
The conference was formally inaugurated on 17th, by the Chief Guest, Shri G.Nageswara Rao, Chairman, AERB. Dr. Komal Kapoor welcomed the delegates to the conference. Shri D. Pramanik, ACE, NFC spoke on the need for developing accident tolerant fuel. Dr.Dinesh Srivastava, Chairman & Chief Executive, NFC, while welcoming the delegates spoke about the importance of nuclear energy for energy security of the country. Dr. D.K. Sinha, Director, AMD spoke about the Uranium exploratory works carried out by AMD. Dr C.K.Asnani, CMD, UCIL spoke about the challenges faced in processing of low grade ores found in the country. Shri G.Nageswara Rao, Chairman, AERB delivered the key note address on importance of characterization and quality for ensuring safety in operation of Nuclear reactors.
The theme of the Conference was “Characterization of Nuclear Fuel for enhanced Quality, Performance and Safety”. Over 60 papers, covering Fuel Design and Fabrication, Characterization, NDT and Automation were presented in the conference. Special emphasis was given on various innovations carried out in manufacture and quality control of nuclear fuel and structural components, for enhanced performance in nuclear reactors and achieve “Zero Fuel Failures”. The emerging global scenario of nuclear power and supplies of nuclear materials in the context of growing need for clean and green technologies, with a view of achieving the goal of “Net zero carbon emissions” was also widely deliberated upon. The conference provided an excellent opportunity for wide ranging discussions amongst specialists in various fields of nuclear engineering.
