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POLICY AND ECONOMIC REPORT
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Furthermore, the Ambassador reflected on how India's ongoing energy transition journey can provide
valuable lessons and serve as a model of global best practices for other nations charting their own paths
toward sustainability.

The discussion also explored the next growth frontiers for India’s renewable energy sector, the
opportunities that lie ahead for the industry and the pathways to balance the imperatives of energy
transition and energy security. The event reaffirmed the significance of the India–Germany Green and
Sustainable Development Partnership as a vital platform for deepening bilateral cooperation and fostering
knowledge exchange in the Renewable Energy sector.

As India accelerates Renewable Energy deployment while ensuring reliable and affordable energy access
the panel discussion brought together policymakers, international partners, industry leaders and think
tanks to deliberate on the potential of Renewable Energy to strengthen energy security, enable a balanced
and holistic energy transition, and power India’s long term economic growth and development
aspirations.

16. DAE Inaugurates Deuterated Compounds Production Plant and Commissions Prototype Sodium Cell
at HWBF, Vadodara

In a significant step towards strengthening India's indigenous technological capabilities and strategic
materials programme, Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy & Chairman,
Atomic Energy Commission, inaugurated the Versatile Deuterated compounds Production Plant (VDPP)
and commissioned the 24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell at the Heavy Water Board Facilities (HWBF),
Vadodara, on 21 June 2026.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mohanty said, "The inauguration of the VDPP and commissioning of the 24
kA Prototype Sodium Cell reflect India's growing capabilities in developing critical materials and
technologies through indigenous research and innovation. These facilities will strengthen strategic self-
reliance, support advanced scientific research and contribute to the long-term objectives of India's nuclear
energy programme. The development of indigenous nuclear-grade sodium production capability is
particularly important for supporting the future growth of India's Fast Breeder Reactor Programme and
advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat through technological excellence."

The ceremony was held in the august presence of Shri K. N. Vyas, Homi Bhabha Chair Professor and Former
Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy & Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission. Also present were Shri
V. V. S. A. Prasad, Chairman & Chief Executive, Heavy Water Board; Shri K. V. Tale, Director
(Operation/Technical), Heavy Water Board; Shri Nitesh Mehta, Officer on Special Duty, HWBF (Vadodara);
along with senior officials of the Department of Atomic Energy, scientists, engineers and employees of the
Heavy Water Board.

The Versatile Deuterated Compounds Production Plant has been established to enhance the country's
indigenous capability for the production of specialised deuterated compounds required for advanced
scientific research, strategic applications and frontier technological programmes. The facility is aimed to

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