Rosatom Launches Pilot Nuclear Training Program in India with IIT-Bombay
State-run Russian nuclear corporation Rosatom, through its subsidiary JSC Engineering and Technology Center ‘ETC GET’, has announced a pioneering pilot training programme for nuclear industry specialists in India. This initiative is designed to bolster the skilled workforce required for India's ambitious nuclear energy expansion plans.
Strategic Partnership with IIT-Bombay and ProSIM
The programme has been developed in a strategic partnership with the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-Bombay) and Bengaluru-based engineering solution company ProSIM. This collaboration leverages the unique strengths of each partner to create a comprehensive training framework.
ETC GET brings extensive experience in simulator and digital twin technologies specifically tailored for nuclear power plants. ProSIM contributes advanced capabilities in physics-based modelling and rigorous safety analysis. IIT-Bombay adds its world-class academic expertise across various nuclear science and engineering disciplines, ensuring the programme is grounded in cutting-edge research and theory.
Focus on Simulators and Digital Twin Technologies
The first trial training session is scheduled to be held from April 15 to 17 at IIT-Bombay. The programme will concentrate heavily on training using advanced simulators and digital twin technologies for nuclear power plants. These tools are critical for supporting practical, hands-on learning and enhancing operational understanding among trainees.
Digital twin technology creates virtual replicas of physical nuclear systems, allowing specialists to simulate operations, test scenarios, and troubleshoot issues in a risk-free environment. This approach is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and safety of training outcomes.
Addressing India's Nuclear Workforce Gap
The initiative is strategically aimed at addressing the growing and urgent demand for skilled professionals in India's nuclear energy sector. A statement from Rosatom highlighted that as India's nuclear energy roadmap envisages a significant expansion in installed capacity by 2047, the country will require thousands of trained nuclear specialists annually.
However, current training capacity in India delivers only a limited number of qualified professionals each year, creating a critical gap in workforce availability. This pilot programme represents a direct response to this challenge, aiming to scale up the pipeline of competent personnel.
An ETC GET representative emphasized, "This pilot training reflects Rosatom’s commitment to supporting the development of India’s nuclear workforce. Alongside advanced technologies, building the capability to operate nuclear infrastructure safely and efficiently will be essential for the sector’s long-term growth."
Broader Cooperation in Nuclear Energy
Rosatom continues to develop and deepen its cooperation with India across the entire nuclear value chain. This training programme is part of a broader strategy to support long-term partnerships in energy and technology. Notable ongoing projects include the construction of units 3 and 4 at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant and future collaborations on small modular reactors (SMRs).
These efforts underscore a shared commitment to advancing nuclear energy as a key component of India's clean energy mix, ensuring energy security and supporting sustainable development goals.
