New AEC chairman Sinha expert on n-reactor technology (Profile)

Mumbai, April 30 (IANS) Ratan Kumar Sinha, the new Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is an internationally acknowledged expert on nuclear reactor technology.

The 61-year-old Sinha replaces Srikumar Banerjee, who retired after 45 years of distinguished service to the country.

Sinha took charge form Banerjee at a simple ceremony at the DAE headquarters here Monday.

A graduate in Mechanical Engineering, Sinha topped the Patna University in 1972 and joined the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai.

After completing his one-year training, he joined the BARC's Reactor Engineering Division, and years later, rose to become the BARC Director.

Over the years, Sinha has been guiding the programmes for new and advanced reactors designed and developed at BARC to utilize thorium.

These include the Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) which produces most of its power from thorium and encompasses several innovative passive safety systems.

Sinha is also credited with designing and developing the Indian High Temperature Reactor, intended for hydrogen generation.

He has also overseen and guided the design of the Compact High Temperature Reactor, which will serve as a technology demonstrator for larger, high temperature reactors of the future.

Sinha has been conferred with several prestigious awards and honours and represented the country at many fora, including as the Chairman of the International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles, of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).