Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated India’s commitment to sustainable energy through nuclear power. In a social media post, he commended Union Minister Jitendra Singh for his article highlighting the importance of nuclear power in India’s journey towards sustainability and self-reliance in energy. Singh’s article discussed the challenges India faces in its energy sector, including dependence on imported fossil fuels and the need to reduce its carbon footprint. He emphasized that nuclear power provides a reliable and sustainable alternative, unlike intermittent renewable sources and coal.
Singh noted that India’s nuclear capacity has increased by over 70% since 2013-14, with current capacity at 8,180 MW, spread across 24 operational reactors. The government has set a target of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047, and to achieve this, the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat has been launched, focusing on enhancing domestic capabilities and reinvigorating international collaborations.
The minister emphasized the need to balance ambitious expansion with stringent safety protocols, public acceptance, and financial viability. He believes that India’s nuclear program, in tandem with renewable energy, could reshape the country’s energy landscape. The government’s efforts to increase nuclear power capacity will contribute to reducing India’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and reducing its carbon footprint.
The news comes after reports that the US Department of Energy has cleared an American company to build and design nuclear reactors in India. This demonstrates India’s commitment to sustainable energy through nuclear power and its desire to increase its domestic capabilities in the sector.