Puducherry: Pondicherry University (PU) and the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, jointly organized a national workshop on "Advances in Nuclear Energy for a Sustainable Environment" (NWANESE-2025) under the UNESCO Chair activity.

The event, hosted by the university's Department of Green Energy Technology, was inaugurated by Vice Chancellor Prof. P. Prakash Babu, who stressed the need for nuclear safety, public awareness, and the role of nuclear technology in societal development.

The workshop explored the growing significance of nuclear energy in India's clean energy transition and climate action efforts. Prof. R. Arun Prasath, Head, DGET and UNESCO Chairholder, delivered the welcome address and outlined the Government of India's nuclear energy roadmap under “Viksit Bharat 2047.” He noted that India aims to expand its nuclear power capacity from 8 GW to 100 GW by 2047, targeting 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Eminent scientists from IGCAR, including Shri T. Rajkumar, Dr. S. Tripurasundari, and Dr. C.V. Srinivas, delivered technical sessions on nuclear advancements. Dean (i/c), MSGET, Prof. B. M. Jaffar Ali, highlighted the integration of nuclear with other renewables to ensure energy security.

The event drew over 300 participants, including scientists, faculty, and students, and featured messages from UNESCO representatives.

The workshop served as a platform for policy and research dialogue, emphasizing nuclear energy's critical role in India's sustainable development goals.