In a proactive stance addressing the ongoing challenges in storing renewable energy, Union Power Minister R K Singh advocates for nuclear power as a viable solution. Singh emphasizes the necessity to establish a suitable ecosystem to tackle the persisting issues related to energy storage.
India, having committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 at COP 26 in November 2021, faces hurdles in ensuring round-the-clock energy from clean sources due to storage capacity challenges. Speaking at the ‘Energy Transition in India – Road Travelled and Opportunities Ahead’ conference in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Singh expressed concerns over the world’s largest battery energy storage system project, citing high costs as a hindrance.
Singh revealed that despite bidding for a storage capacity of 1,000 MWh at ₹10 per kWh, the project’s feasibility was compromised, considering the cost of power generation from renewable sources at ₹2.40 per unit. In light of this, Singh underscores the importance of nuclear and coal energy as interim solutions due to their continuous power generation capabilities.
The minister acknowledges India’s potential to generate up to 100 Giga Watts of power through nuclear sources and highlights the ongoing efforts to expand nuclear capacity from 7,000 MW to 15,000 MW, with a future scope of reaching 50-60 GW or even 100 GW for sustained clean energy generation.
While recognizing the challenges faced in the past during the adoption of nuclear power, Singh emphasizes the need to build a robust ecosystem for the expansion of nuclear energy generation. He stresses the importance of investing in nuclear energy expansion to create a self-sufficient ecosystem that aligns with India’s energy needs and global climate change mitigation efforts.
Singh also addresses the issue of idle gas-fired power plants in the country, attributing their inactivity to a cartel manipulating international natural gas prices.
In conclusion, the minister urges developed nations to reduce their emissions and dismisses the idea of phasing out coal power plants by India as a “diversionary tactic topic” pushed by “anti-development forces.” Singh highlights India’s achievements in emissions intensity, meeting NDCs nine years in advance, and exceeding the target of 40% non-fossil fuel energy generation by 2030.
