Rafael Mariano GrossiManaging Director of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was in India recently and met the best decision -makers. In an interview with the surojit gupta of you, Grosi discussed situations in Iran and Ukraine and praised India nuclear energy initiatives. Extracts:
How do you see the nuclear situation in Iran?
We still have a lot of work to do. I said on several occasions that Iran had no nuclear weapons at the moment, but they enriched uranium at the level almost weapons and that they have not provided clear answers on a certain number of things at IAEA for quite a long time. We are just, but at the same time, we don’t want to exaggerate anything, but we don’t want to trivialize any situation either. Iran has a very important, ambitious and technologically developed nuclear program and must provide the answers. We see that there is a movement around the problem. We have experienced an important meeting in Beijing recently between Russia, China and Iran. We think it’s positive. We see that there has been an exchange or at least a letter sent by US President Donald Trump to the Supreme Chief. Even with controversy around content and answers, etc., this means that there is a recognition that there must be any commitment. So yes, this is a global concern for the reasons I explained. At the same time, this should be an incentive for all of us to work together to avoid an escalation which, in the context of what is happening in the Middle East, would be tragic.
The commitment you talked about … Is there a possibility that this will take place with the best powers to find a solution?
There is a possibility, but it will not be infinite or the time will not be unlimited. There should be a feeling of purpose. We want a positive program, which is diplomatic and not violent, but at the same time which offers the international insurance community. It is in everyone’s interest. This is what I say when I speak to my Iranian counterparts.
You have made a number of visits to Ukraine. How is the situation there now?
He continues to be fragile. And as long as the fight continues, it will always be the case. Let us never forget that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is on the front line. It is very exposed. It has been targeted in the past. There have been a lot of Panus breakdowns, situations where the power supply and from the station has been completely interrupted. You remember that one of the cooling laps last summer was on fire. It is therefore clearly a target. The presence of IAEA has attenuated the risks there, but did not eliminate them. We look with the expectation, like everyone else, the possibility of a dialogue and a negotiation leading to a cease-fire and perhaps and we hope to peace. But until it happens, our concern is that no nuclear accident takes place.
How do you see India’s decision to use nuclear energy in the country’s energy transition plan?
I see this very positively. India has a first -rate technology that it initially draws from Western technology. Then, you entered your own native development with very good reactors, including 20 working perfectly. But nuclear is still a minute percentage of national electricity production. And I was happy to see that Govt was aimed at going a lot, much higher – 100 gigawatts, which is possible. I see India as a country that has enormous internal potential, but also, if I can, I see India playing a role on a global scale. Nuclear technology is exported. And I don’t see why India should not join the family of active suppliers on the world market.
And how do you see the recent announcement of authorizing the private sector in the small reactor segment?
It is for me a fundamental piece of the puzzle which shows that Govt adjusts its approach and tries to adapt to the realities of the world. Nuclear is at high intensity of capital, and everything cannot come from public or public services. And when you have the needs you have in India, you must explore public-private partnerships or even private property, including small modular reactors. I see this change in the legal and political approach of India as a step, a huge step in the right direction.