New Delhi: India needs to give a major thrust
to nuclear energy to overcome power shortage and fuel economic
growth, given the limitations of the conventional sources of
energy, said Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
"Our all requirement (of energy) will only be met by
considering nuclear and non-conventional resources," he said
while releasing commemorative coins to mark the birth
centenary of nuclear scientist Homi Bhabha.
Making a strong case for a major nuclear power programme
with a long-term vision, Mukherjee said, “Quality power is
essential requirement (for growth)... Our conventional sources
are not at all adequate to achieve the desired energy (output)
in terms of electricity generation.”
Noting that coal resources are depleting and hydel power
potential is limited, the Finance Minister said
overexploitation of conventional resources are also raising
environmental concerns.
Unlike the conventional sources of energy, he said,
"nuclear energy is clean and self-alternating compared to
fossil fuel".
Recalling the contribution of Bhabha, Mukherjee said,
he started his work at a time when nuclear science was in the
stage of infancy and people were not sure what role it could
play in economic development.
Bureau Report
First Published: Tuesday, September 29, 2009, 12:51