Heavy Water Board (HWB), a unit of Department of Atomic Energy, fulfills its mandate of producing Heavy Water and Specialty Materials like enriched boron, nuclear grade sodium, solvents for front end and back end of nuclear fuel cycle, etc. and thus supports the three stage Indian Nuclear Power Program in multiple dimensions. After successfully meeting domestic needs of Heavy Water for PHWR programme, HWB is promoting non-nuclear applications of Heavy Water/ Deuterium in industrial and medical fields and in production of other nuclear materials.
On 26th February, 2024, HWB organised a Theme Meeting on “Amrit Kaal Roadmap of Heavy Water Board” at DAE Convention Centre, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai to discuss and solicit suggestions from experienced technocrats to carry forward the given mandate in an effective way.
Chief Guest of the programme, Dr. A. K. Mohanty, Secretary DAE & Chairman AEC inaugurated the theme meeting in presence of Guest of Honour, Shri B. C. Pathak, CMD, NPCIL, and Shri S. Satyakumar, Chairman & Chief Executive, HWB. Former Chief Executives of HWB and other senior officials of various DAE units were present in the event.
Dr. Mohanty, in his speech, appreciated the accomplishments of HWB in production of heavy water and specialty materials. He specially mentioned HWB’s achievement in producing medical grade Oxygen-18 enriched water, the first time in India. This O-18 enriched water is required for PET scanning, a diagnostic technique to ascertain the presence of cancer cells. He stated that HWB is taking up challenging assignments of commercialising the technologies developed by R&D units of DAE such as cobalt and nickel extraction from MIDHANI scrap, rare metal recovery, gallium recovery, Iodine-Sulphur process for generation of hydrogen and many more, as DAE enters the platinum year of its existence.
Shri B. C. Pathak, CMD, NPCIL appreciated HWB for making heavy water readily available not only for current requirements but also for future projects. He cited the important role played by HWB in success story of indigenous PHWR programme. He advised HWB to collaborate with NPCIL for setting up new heavy water projects for reducing the cost of production by utilizing common facilities.
On this occasion, training manuals on Safety Aspects in Project Execution (English version) and Handling of Gas Cylinders (Hindi version) were released by the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour. Shri S. Satyakumar, CE, HWB elaborated various activities and achievements of HWB and way forward for new assignments. He expressed gratitude towards Secretary, DAE for his leadership and guidance and also acknowledged the contribution of former CEs in scripting the success story of HWB.
The second session of the theme meeting was Chaired by Shri Surendra Sharma, Former CE, HWB and Dr. U. Kamachi Mudali, VC, HBNI and Former CE, HWB. This session included presentations by HWB officials on topics like “Reactor Input Material and Offshoots”, “Developmental Activities of HWB”, and “Non-Nuclear Applications of Heavy Water and Deuterium Depleted Water” followed by panel discussion. The presentations and panel discussion were well taken by the audience, which was reflected through their active participation. Former CEs and audience have put intelligent questions to which enlightening responses were given by the Session Chairpersons. Former CEs also shared their rich experiences and gave suggestions regarding future roadmap.
On this occasion, Heavy Water Board also commemorated its 36th Foundation Day. HWB employees and their families enthusiastically participated in cultural programme, which followed the theme meeting.
Heavy Water Board reiterates its commitment for enhancement of Nation’s competitiveness in the global arena through scientific and technological innovations.
