Nuke deal would enhance energy security: Pranab
New Delhi (PTI): The civil nuclear agreement between India and the US would help create a substantial additional power generating capacity in the country, Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday.
In a written reply, Minister of External Affairs, Pranab Mukherjee said the Integrated Energy Policy-2006, which sets a target of 20,000 MW of nuclear power generation by 2020, could double with international cooperation.
Regarding the financial gains the country would have from the nuclear accord, the Minister said that energy from this non-conventional source will contribute in the growth of vital sectors, including industry and agriculture.
"It is critical that India's current GDP growth rate of 8 to 10 percent per annum is maintained in order to achieve the objective of eradication of poverty.
"For this, it is necessary to explore and exploit all sources of energy, and the inclusion of nuclear energy will help in meeting India's energy targets and contribute to growth in vital sectors, including industry and agriculture," he said.
To another question, Mukherjee said an energy security unit has been established under the MEA to enhance the country's energy security by promoting cooperation with other countries.
