Focus on expanding nuclear and solar power, leveraging thorium reserves, and achieving energy self-reliance.

Parliamentary Panel Explores Strategies to Strengthen India’s Nuclear Energy Programme.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change held discussions with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) on accelerating nuclear power generation in India. The meeting focused on expanding nuclear energy alongside solar power to support India's net-zero emissions target by 2070. Key discussions included addressing uranium supply challenges by utilising India's abundant thorium reserves, strengthening research and development, and advancing self-reliance in atomic energy. Committee Chairperson Dr Medha Vishram Kulkarni highlighted India's growing investment in nuclear technology and praised the contributions of Indian scientists. The discussions also acknowledged the successful first criticality of the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, marking India's entry into the second stage of its three-stage nuclear programme. Once fully operational, India will become only the second country after Russia to operate a commercial fast breeder reactor, reinforcing its global nuclear capabilities.