The nation plans to scale its nuclear capacity to 100 GW to secure long-term energy needs.
India seeks Rs 7.5 lakh crore from private players to boost its nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047.
A significant economic shift is occurring within the Indian energy sector. The government now seeks significant private participation to meet future power demand. Consequently, leaders expect an influx of Rs 7.5 lakh crore in investments. This capital will help expand nuclear power capacity drastically.
The nation generates a modest 8.78 gigawatts through 24 active reactors. However, officials plan to scale this output to 100 gigawatts by 2047. The state-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited will provide 54 gigawatts. Meanwhile, private firms and state governments must deliver the remaining 46 gigawatts.
The Atomic Energy Commission confirms this new collaborative approach. The commission chairman stated that private players alone could contribute 30 gigawatts. Therefore, opening this restricted sector promises substantial economic benefits. India urgently needs reliable electricity to fuel its rapid growth.
Furthermore, the country holds a major strategic advantage in raw materials. India reportedly controls 25 per cent of global thorium reserves. This resource will support advanced stages of the national power programme. The Department of Atomic Energy closely monitors these vital mineral deposits.
Researchers have identified roughly 439,800 tonnes of uranium oxide across multiple states. Additionally, they found 1.18 million tonnes of thorium oxide in monazite sands. Authorities will convert this thorium into fissile uranium-233 for use as fuel. Ultimately, this three-stage strategy ensures optimal resource usage.
(Source: Times of India)
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