Centre Urges States To Consider Setting Up Nuclear Power Plants—What You Need To Know

India is looking to expand its nuclear power infrastructure, particularly in states where existing thermal power plants are aging or coal access is limited.

With its focus on clean energy, the Indian government has now urged the states to set up nuclear power plants to lessen reliance on fossil fuels.

During the Conference of Power Ministers on Tuesday (12 November), Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar encouraged states far from coal supplies to consider nuclear options.

The move has also been made keeping in mind the country's surging electricity needs.

Earlier in the year, the Union Budget had proposed a partnership with private investors to create small-scale nuclear reactors, addressing the country's increasing energy requirements.

"States should consider setting up nuclear power plants at the sites where coal-based thermal power plants have completed their life," the Union Minister told state governments, as per a statement issued by the Centre.

He further encouraged states to identify power utilities and list them on the stock exchange to meet its investment targets in the power sector. He also asked states to enhance their renewable energy capabilities and transmission infrastructure.

The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), a public sector company under the Department of Atomic Energy, manages all 24 operational nuclear power plants in India.

India, currently producing about 8 gigawatts from nuclear sources, plans to nearly triple this capacity to over 20 gigawatts by 2032.

Being the only G20 nation to achieve its climate goals ahead of its deadline, India aims to add 500 gigawatt of renewable energy to its grid by 2030. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also pledged to make India a nation with net-zero carbon emission by 2070.

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