India Aims for 100 GW Nuclear Energy by 2047, Invites Private Sector: Jitendra Singh
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Synopsis
New Delhi's nuclear mission targets generating 100 GW of energy by 2047, as announced by Minister Jitendra Singh. The government opens the sector to private players, emphasizing clean energy and the development of Small Modular Reactors.
Key Takeaways
- 100 GW nuclear energy target by 2047.
- Involvement of private players in the nuclear sector.
- Focus on Small Modular Reactors for diverse energy needs.
- 170 percent budget increase for atomic energy since 2014.
- Utilization of thorium reserves for energy generation.
New Delhi, March 27 (NationPress) The newly unveiled nuclear initiative is set to produce 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear energy by 2047, as stated by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh during a parliamentary session on Thursday.
While addressing the Rajya Sabha, the Minister mentioned that this goal represents 10 percent of India's overall energy requirements.
In pursuit of this target, the government has made a significant decision to allow private players into the nuclear sector.
Dr. Singh described this action as “previously thought to be unfeasible.”
“This is a historic move that dismantles former restrictions. The nuclear initiative has generally functioned in secrecy, but under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have opened the doors for private sector involvement,” he remarked.
He referred to it as “a revolutionary step,” stating it will not only address India's escalating energy needs but also guarantee a clean and consistent power supply.
A central aspect of this mission is the advancement of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which have capacities ranging from 16 MW to 300 MW. These reactors are particularly effective for the country's varied energy requirements, including remote locations and industrial zones.
“These small modular reactors will deliver readily available, eco-friendly electricity throughout the nation,” Dr. Singh emphasized.
The Minister also highlighted the substantial budgetary increase for nuclear energy.
“Since 2014, there has been a 170 percent rise in the budget for the Department of Atomic Energy. In the 2024-25 budget, Rs 20,000 crore has been earmarked specifically for the local development of at least five Bharat Small Modular Reactors,” he stated.
Additionally, the government’s ambitious nuclear growth strategy includes the exploration of India’s thorium reserves, which constitute 21 percent of the global total.
Dr. Singh noted that projects like the Bhavini reactor and the Kudankulam nuclear plant, which had encountered delays prior to 2014, have regained momentum under the current administration.
With the involvement of the private sector and a firm dedication to local development, India’s nuclear energy sector is poised for swift transformation, ensuring energy security and bolstering its position as a global frontrunner in clean energy solutions, he concluded.
