The Hindu Business Line : Govt committed to developing nuclear energy, says PM

The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, on Monday reiterated his Government’s commitment to the development of nuclear energy even while urging all the political parties to appreciate the national interest of pursuing a sound energy security strategy.

“From a long-term perspective, nuclear energy and solar energy can play an important role in addressing our energy security needs. Our government is committed to the development of nuclear energy,” he added, while speaking at a function to lay the foundation stone for Rajiv Gandhi Urja Bhavan, being set up by ONGC, to establish a R&D centre for non-conventional energy sources.

The Prime Minister said, “I urge all political parties to appreciate the vital national interest of pursuing a sound energy security strategy. India is on the move and we must be able to address its growing energy demand. No Government can afford to shrink this responsibility and hope to find favour with people.”

“Today, when we aim for a 10 per cent growth rate, we must recognise the critical importance of energy security. By energy security, we refer not merely to the assurance of the supply of energy. Real energy security implies assured supply of good quality energy at a reasonable price,” he said.

With the domestic oil production barely meeting one-third of the country’s requirement, the Prime Minister said India’s energy security strategy should include alternative fuels and technologies.

Dr Singh said the rising oil import bill will put unbearable burden on the nation’s economy and all energy resources, thus, the country needs to develop all energy resources — coal, gas, oil, hydro and nuclear along with renewables such as wind and solar.

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