Nuclear energy will play critical role to meet India’s net-zero target by 2070: Jitendra Singh

New Delhi: Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that nuclear energy will play a critical for India’s de-carbonization strategy to meet net-zero target by 2070.

“we have already taken steps for clean energy transition with penetration of non-fossil based energy resources and achieving net-zero by 2070, nuclear in terms of base load power can play a big role in the de-carbonization strategy” Jitendra Singh said, in a workshop organized by NITI Aayog and Department of Atomic Energy. 

Dr Singh said,” India is taking steps for development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR), with up to 300 MW capacity to fulfill its commitment to Clean Energy transition”.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, the participation of private sector and Start-ups needs to be explored in development of this critical technology within India

“Technology sharing and availability of funding are the two crucial links for ensuring commercial availability of SMR technology” he added.

India, comprising 17 percent of the world population has seen its primary energy growing at rate of 4 percent during the last decade, almost double the global growth rate of 1.3 per cent. However, by historical standards, India’s share in global emissions is less than 5 percent.

He added that exploration of new clean energy options is in tune with Prime Minister Modi’s roadmap for clean energy transition through bold climate commitments which are reflected in our updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

India had submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to UNFCCC on October 2, 2015.

As per the updated NDC, India now stands committed to reduce Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030, from 2005 level and achieve about 50 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, an impressive number of measures have been taken to promote renewable energy in the country and India today stands at number four in the RE installed capacity across the world, after China, Europe and United States.

Small Modular Reactors (SMR), with up to 300 MW capacity by nature are flexible in design and require smaller footprint.

Being mobile and agile technology, SMR can be factory-built unlike the conventional nuclear reactors that are built on–site.

SMR is a promising technology in industrial de-carbonization especially where there is a requirement of reliable and continuous supply of power. It is said that SMR is simpler and safer as compared to large nuclear plants.