The truth about nuclear technology

By Doel Sengupta

With the recent developments in Austria and Ukraine the focus is back on the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear technology. 

In 2016, a year after the United States had slapped sanctions on Iran over development of nuclear technology I met with a senior executive in the Adani Group. I probed him long over his energy  politics. 

What he said to me stumped me. Now, the Adani Group secures energy through its coal reserves. So Mr X said: "What we learn in schools is wrong. Coal is renewable because it's a fossil fuel. We will never run out  of coal." So, what we learn in school is wrong, methought. 

After former President Donald Trump came into power sanctions on Iran were lifted in 2018. Now, the deal is getting further streamlined to its earlier avatar. 

Trump's move set me thinking. Is the myth around nuclear technology just propoganda? Is uranium also renewable? 

For example, the fission of one pound of uranium releases more energy than burning three million pounds of coal. Nuclear fission reactors split atoms to release the energy from the nucleus of enriched uranium. This fast-reaction nuclear power fuel is considered renewable and sustainable. 

The politics around Iran and its nuclear reserves is more of a problem of xenophobia and its tussle with neighbour Israel. 

The International Atomic Energy Agency attempts to monitor and control enriched uranium supplies and processes in its efforts to ensure nuclear power generation safety and curb nuclear weapons proliferation.  Despite being mildly radioactive, depleted uranium is also an effective radiation shielding material.

There are reports of Uranium being carcinogenic in high concentrations. As a doctor I understand tumours to be edema (water retention) with calcification, putting the focus on cancer treatment that uses radioactivity itself. 

It seems that the worlds in our world are

just hinging on propoganda just to gain a little bit of money and a little bit of power.

We should really do a thorough check on the pros and cons of nuclear technology with no biases. 

At the end of the day it's all about waking up from our small self-created myths and embracing each other. Here's me wishing Iran and Israel a world full of camaraderie. 

#bharatmataterikasam

#iamnirbhaya

#doelsengupta