The Hindu Business Line : Kalam calls for self-reliance in energy by 2030

THE PRESIDENT, Mr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, flanked by the Minister for Science and Technology, Mr Kapil Sibal (left), and the FICCI President, Mr S.K. Poddar, at a conference on India R&D 2006 — "Mind to Market" — in the Capital on Monday. — Ramesh Sharma

New Delhi , Dec. 4

Calling for the country to become "energy independent" by 2030, the President, Mr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, suggested that India should pursue nuclear power generation using thorium and increase generation from wind, hydel and solar power to be prepared for diminishing fossil fuels. "Our target is to achieve energy security by 2020 leading to energy independence by 2030 and beyond,'' said Dr Kalam, inaugurating the second international conference-cum-exhibition on R&D organised by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) and Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and FICCI.

"Nuclear power generation has been given a thrust by the use of uranium-based fuel. However, to meet the increased needs of nuclear power generation, it is essential to pursue the development of nuclear power using thorium, reserves of which are higher in the country,'' said Dr Kalam.

Mr Kapil Sibal, Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences said the journey from Mind to the Market, which was the theme of this year's three-day seminar was complex.

"Industry should be encouraged by providing an appropriate environment to help it invest in finding solutions, which are both accessible and affordable," said Mr Sibal.

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