Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address, outlined India's robust vision for energy security and self-reliance, setting an ambitious target of 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear energy capacity by 2047. This significant expansion will be bolstered by the commissioning of five new nuclear reactors, expected to be operational within the next six to seven years.
Boost for Nuclear Self-Reliance
Modi highlighted a crucial milestone achieved this year: the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, attained criticality. He described this as a major leap forward in Fast Breeder Nuclear Technology, positioning India closer to self-reliance in nuclear fuel. The government has also enacted the SHANTI Act, reinforcing its commitment to energy security through nuclear power.
Expanding Energy Infrastructure
Beyond nuclear, the Prime Minister also drew attention to other significant advancements in India's energy sector. Piped gas coverage has seen a dramatic expansion, growing from just 70 cities before 2014 to over 700 cities nationwide. Household connections for piped gas have surged from approximately 22 lakh to 1.75 crore.
In solar energy, India's capacity has soared from a mere 2 GW in 2014 to an impressive 160 GW. The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has facilitated solar energy adoption in over 50 lakh households, with rapid implementation ongoing across the country.
Navigating Global Challenges
Addressing global uncertainties, Modi reflected on concerns about fuel shortages, particularly during the West Asia crisis. He affirmed that government measures had ensured India faced no scarcity of gas, fuel, or urea, maintaining adequate energy supplies throughout the period. This resilience, he noted, underscores India's growing self-reliance and its increasing recognition on the global stage, further evidenced by free trade agreements with 40 countries.
The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of Indian products, from textiles to machinery and medicines, reaching global markets. He emphasized the need for Indian industries to meet and exceed global quality parameters and offer competitive pricing to seize international opportunities.