NWANESE–2025: UMSGET, MSF, and UNESCO Chair Host National Workshop on Advances in Nuclear Energy for a Sustainable Future

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News UMSGET, UNESCO Chair, Pondicherry University,Puducherry, India - 2nd August 2025

National Workshop on Advances in Nuclear Energy for Sustainable Environment (NWANESE-2025): Detailed Report

Organized By

  • Department of Green Energy Technology, UNESCO Madanjeet School of Green Energy Technologies (UMSGET), Pondicherry University

  • Under the UNESCO Chair on Renewable and Clean Energy for Sustainable Development (RCESD)

  • Supported by the Madanjeet Singh Foundation (MSF) and South Asia Foundation (SAF)

  • In association with Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India

  • Convenor: Professor R. Arun Prasath, UNESCO Chairholder – RCESD (2024-2028)

Executive Summary

The National Workshop on Advances in Nuclear Energy for Sustainable Environment (NWANESE-2025), held on 25th July 2025 at the Cultural-Cum-Convention Centre, Pondicherry University, was a landmark event fostering in-depth dialogue on the intersection of nuclear energy, sustainability, and climate action. Organized under the prestigious UNESCO Chair activity, this one-day workshop drew participation from over 300 delegates—including leading nuclear scientists, faculty, researchers, industry professionals, policymakers, and students from across India.

Workshop Objective

NWANESE-2025 aimed to:

  • Explore nuclear energy’s critical role in supporting India’s transition to a low-carbon, energy-secure economy.

  • Share cutting-edge advancements in nuclear technology, safety, materials research, and environmental impact assessment.

  • Bridge academic expertise, industry practice, and policy frameworks to catalyze sustainable energy solutions and inspire the next generation of clean energy scientists.

Opening and Inaugural Session

The workshop opened with greetings from key dignitaries:

  • Prof. P. Prakash Babu, Vice Chancellor, Pondicherry University, inaugurated the event. In his remarks, he stressed the imperative of nuclear safety, public awareness, and the societal benefits of peaceful nuclear applications—especially in medicine, water purification, and agriculture.

  • Prof. R. Arun Prasath, UNESCO Chairholder – RCESD and Head, Department of Green Energy Technology, delivered the welcome address. He highlighted India’s Nuclear Energy Mission under “Viksit Bharat 2047” and its plan to scale nuclear capacity from 8.2GW to 100GW by 2047. He outlined the urgent need for clean, affordable, and reliable energy to meet national development and climate goals.

Messages of support were delivered by representatives from UNESCO, the Madanjeet Singh Foundation, and senior officials from IGCAR and Pondicherry University.

 

UMSGET -UNESCO-CHAIR-WORKSHOP-SAF-Sunil-Binjola

Technical Sessions and Scientific Contributions

Six expert-led sessions showcased India’s technical prowess in nuclear technology:

1. A Perspective on Nuclear Energy & Fast Breeder Reactors

  • Speaker: Shri T. Rajkumar, IGCAR

  • Overview of India’s three-stage nuclear programme (PHWRs, Fast Breeder Reactors, Thorium Cycle).

  • Highlighted the importance of breeder reactor technology for realizing long-term sustainability using indigenous uranium and thorium resources.

2. Development of Fast Reactor Technology in India

  • Speaker: Shri Ram Kumar Maity, IGCAR

  • Shared milestones in fast breeder test reactors (FBTR, PFBR), reactor design innovations, heat transport systems, and future expansion of breeder technology.

3. Opportunities and Challenges in Materials Research for Sustainable Nuclear Energy

  • Speaker: Dr. S. Tripurasundari, IGCAR

  • Examined material challenges: radiation tolerance, thin films, nanostructures, defect mitigation, and development of detectors for reactor safety.

4. Engineering Safety of Nuclear Power Plants

  • Speaker: Shri Sanjay Kumar Das, IGCAR

  • Detailed “defence-in-depth” safety philosophy, redundant engineered safety systems, and passive safety features adopted in Indian fast breeder reactors. Emphasized regulatory compliance and accident mitigation.

5. Environmental Assessment of Nuclear Energy

  • Speaker: Dr. C.V. Srinivas, IGCAR

  • Presented air, water, and soil radioactivity monitoring protocols, occupational and public dose assessment, emergency preparedness, and decision support systems for ensuring environmental protection.

6. Radiation Safety Aspects in India: Practices, Policies, and Progress

  • Speaker: Dr. S. Chandrasekaran, IGCAR

  • Reviewed the Indian nuclear regulatory structure, advances in personnel monitoring, waste management, training, and public outreach on radiation safety.

Key Takeaways

  • Nuclear’s role in sustainability: Nuclear energy was recognized as indispensable for India’s clean energy transition and achieving its net-zero by 2070 target.

  • Synergy with renewables: The integration of nuclear, solar, wind, and hydroelectric power was identified as crucial for decarbonizing India's energy sector while securing reliable baseload power.

  • Innovation and collaboration: The workshop showcased ongoing collaboration between Pondicherry University and IGCAR, emphasizing indigenous R&D, technology transfer, and knowledge-sharing.

  • Capacity building and youth engagement: Over 150 students and research scholars participated, reflecting strong commitment to developing human resources in nuclear and green energy.

UNESCO Chair RCESD and Professor R. Arun Prasath

The UNESCO Chair on Renewable and Clean Energy for Sustainable Development (RCESD), established at Pondicherry University and led by Professor R. Arun Prasath (2024-2028), provides a platform for advancing research, education, and capacity-building in green energy technologies. Prof. Prasath’s vision and leadership were instrumental in securing the UNESCO Chair and expanding the university’s sustainability initiatives—including a 3MWp solar campus and broad outreach in environmental practices.

Media Coverage and Outreach

  • The event was widely reported by national media outlets such as The Hindu and Dinamalar, and covered by Doordarshan Puducherry.

  • Press releases emphasized the workshop’s alignment with India’s international climate commitments (500GW non-fossil capacity by 2030), support for SDG 7 & 13, and momentum in nuclear education and public engagement.

  1. https://sites.google.com/pondiuni.ac.in/nwanese-2025/
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI-dpHyi5Wc
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7qHAtt3310
  4. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2148448
  5. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2148592
  6. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/experts-see-bigger-role-for-nuclear-energy-to-attain-sustainability-goals/article69882842.ece
  7. https://www.uniindia.com/news/south/nuclear-pondy-univ-workshop/3525999.html
  8. https://www.dinamalar.com/news/kalvimalar-news-en/pu-igcar-host-national-workshop-on-nuclear-energy-for-sustainable-development/56530

Participants and Impact

  • Participation: 252 total delegates; 154 external, 48 internal, 50 spot-registered; included faculty, scientists, students, and industry.

  • Institutions Represented: IGCAR, ARCI Hyderabad, Sathyabama Institute of Science & Technology, Manakula Vinayagar Institute of Technology, RAAK College of Engineering, and more.

  • Outcomes: Knowledge exchange, national collaboration, student mentorship, and visionary policy dialogue for the future of nuclear and clean energy in India.

Conclusion

NWANESE-2025, under the UNESCO Chair activity, exemplified a successful convergence of research excellence, policy dialogue, capacity building, and youth engagement in support of India’s journey towards clean, secure, and sustainable energy. The strong partnership between Pondicherry University (UMSGET/DGET), IGCAR, UNESCO, and MSF sets a model for interdisciplinary collaboration at the nexus of science, policy, and societal progress.

For further information and future events:
Department of Green Energy Technology
Madanjeet School of Green Energy Technologies, Pondicherry University
UNESCO Chairholder: Professor R. ARUN PRASATH, RCESD; Convenor, NWANESE 2025

The proceeding of the Workshop can be accessed from the link of the Video given below:

 Download Report