New Delhi. India Asks States To Set Up Reactors: With the aim of increasing the contribution of clean energy in energy production in the country and promoting nuclear energy, the central government has appealed to the states to set up nuclear reactors. Especially those states where the life of thermal power plants is ending and delivering coal is also a difficult process. While this will help in meeting the energy needs of the country, on the other hand, it will reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Union Energy Minister Manohar Lal held a meeting with the energy ministers of states and union territories on Tuesday. In this, he advised the states located away from coal resources to set up nuclear based power plants.

This appeal has been made by the central government keeping in mind the rapidly increasing demand for electricity in the country. In the Union Budget, the government had also talked about partnering with private investors to set up small-scale nuclear reactors, so that the growing energy needs can be met.

Emphasis on improving the transmission system

Union Energy Minister Manohar Lal said that all the states and union territories should consider setting up nuclear power plants at those places where the life of coal-based thermal power plants has almost ended.  

The Union Power Minister also advised the states to identify power utilities and list them on the stock exchange so that the target of investment in the energy sector can also be achieved. Manohar Lal also emphasized on the need to increase renewable energy capacity as well as improve the transmission system in the meeting.

The target is 20 GW

Let us tell you that currently there are 24 nuclear power plants operating in the country, which are managed by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). NPCIL is a public sector undertaking, which comes under the Department of Atomic Energy and its headquarters is located in Mumbai.

Currently, India's electricity generation capacity from nuclear power plants is around 8 GW. India aims to increase this to over 20 GW by 2032. 

India is the only G20 nation on track to meet its 2019 emissions target ahead of schedule. India aims to add 500 GW of renewable energy to the grid by 2030. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also promised to make India net-zero in carbon emissions by 2070.