India's Dedication to Sustainable Energy via Nuclear Power: PM Modi
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Synopsis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India's commitment to sustainable energy through nuclear power, highlighting the government's plans to enhance nuclear energy production and develop indigenous technology. The Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, discussed the growth and challenges of the nuclear sector, aiming for a significant increase in capacity by 2047.
Key Takeaways
- India is focusing on sustainable energy via nuclear power.
- Government aims to increase nuclear capacity significantly by 2047.
- Private sector involvement in nuclear energy is being encouraged.
- Nuclear energy is a reliable alternative to renewable sources.
- Focus on stringent safety protocols and public acceptance.
New Delhi, March 31 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reaffirmed India’s dedication to sustainable energy through nuclear power.
This statement was made while sharing an article by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh, who elaborated on the nation's plan to significantly boost nuclear energy production.
“Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh explains how nuclear power has become a vital component in India’s pursuit of a sustainable and self-sufficient energy future,” the PMO stated in a post on the social media platform X.
In the article, Singh noted the opening of the nuclear energy sector to private enterprises, its growth in recent years, and the challenges faced even as electricity demand is expected to triple by 2047.
The Union Minister emphasized that nuclear power is key to addressing India’s challenge of promoting rapid economic growth while also lowering carbon emissions and ensuring energy security.
“Nuclear energy represents one of the most concentrated forms of power generation, where minimal amounts of fuel can yield vast quantities of electricity with minimal carbon emissions,” Singh articulated in the article.
He highlighted that, unlike other renewable sources such as solar and wind, nuclear power is dependable and not influenced by weather conditions.
“While hydropower is subject to seasonal variations and ecological issues, and coal presents significant environmental risks, nuclear energy provides a sustainable alternative,” the MoS remarked.
He pointed out that in the last decade, nuclear capacity has increased by over 70 percent in the nation. “Currently, nuclear power accounts for approximately 3 percent of India’s electricity generation, but this number is anticipated to rise considerably with 21 reactors totaling 15,300 MW at various stages of development.”
Beyond merely expanding capacity, the emphasis is now on “developing indigenous technology,” Singh said, revealing that the government has set a goal of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047. The existing nuclear power capacity stands at 8.18 GW.
To meet this target, the government has initiated the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat. This mission aims to enhance domestic capabilities and renew international collaborations with Russia, France, and the US.
Highlighting that the country's nuclear program has the potential to transform the energy landscape, Singh stressed the importance of focusing on “stringent safety protocols, public acceptance, and financial viability.”
