Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 31: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to sustainable energy through nuclear power, emphasizing its crucial role in the country’s self-reliant energy future.
Sharing an article by Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, Modi highlighted the government’s vision to significantly expand nuclear energy production to meet rising electricity demands while reducing carbon emissions.
In his article, Singh discussed India’s move to open the nuclear sector to private players and outlined the challenges and opportunities ahead as electricity demand is expected to triple by 2047. He stressed that nuclear power is key to balancing rapid economic growth with environmental responsibility and energy security.
Singh pointed out that nuclear energy is among the most efficient and concentrated forms of power generation, capable of producing vast amounts of electricity from small fuel quantities with minimal carbon emissions. Unlike solar and wind power, which depend on weather conditions, nuclear energy ensures a stable and consistent power supply.
Highlighting the sector’s growth, Singh noted that India’s nuclear capacity has surged by over 70% in the past decade. Currently contributing around 3% of the nation’s electricity, nuclear power is poised for significant expansion, with 21 reactors under development, totaling a capacity of 15,300 MW.
Beyond capacity expansion, India is prioritizing indigenous nuclear technology development. The government has set an ambitious target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, a sharp rise from the current 8.18 GW. To support this vision, the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat has been launched, focusing on strengthening domestic capabilities while deepening international collaborations with Russia, France, and the US.
Singh emphasized that India's nuclear program has the potential to transform the country’s energy landscape. However, achieving this vision will require stringent safety measures, greater public acceptance, and strong financial backing.
With the government’s renewed push, nuclear energy is set to become a cornerstone of India’s clean energy future, ensuring both sustainability and energy security for generations to come.