Now Reading: Modi sets nuclear, offshore exploration goals in Independence Day speech
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Modi sets nuclear, offshore exploration goals in Independence Day speech
Modi sets nuclear, offshore exploration goals in Independence Day speech
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called energy security a national priority in his Independence Day speech and announced plans to commission five new nuclear reactors. Hindustan Times and The Hindu BusinessLine report a…
The Story in Brief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called energy security a national priority in his Independence Day speech and announced plans to commission five new nuclear reactors. Hindustan Times and The Hindu BusinessLine report a target of 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047, while NDTV reports the target as 200 GW. Modi also cited the SHANTI Act as the framework for expanding nuclear power.
Modi said the Samudra Manthan offshore exploration scheme would open previously restricted areas to oil and gas exploration. Hindustan Times reports a Phase I outlay of Rs 84,084 crore, while another Hindustan Times report rounds it to Rs 85,000 crore. He said piped gas now reaches 700 cities and 1.75 crore households, while solar capacity has risen to 160 GW from 2 GW.
The Indian Opinion
The loudest claims will present offshore drilling and nuclear power as quick cures for import dependence, while critics may dismiss every target as a slogan. Neither is fair. India still imports nearly 90 per cent of its crude, and new fields require surveys, investment and years of drilling. Solar growth and wider gas access are real gains, but they do not remove price or supply risks. The useful test is whether domestic production rises without unsafe projects or costly power. The nuclear target must also be stated consistently: 100 GW or 200 GW?
Sources (6): ndtv.com, hindustantimes.com, hindustantimes.com (2), hindustantimes.com (3), freepressjournal.in, thehindubusinessline.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 6 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 6 sources.
