The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change held discussions on accelerating nuclear power generation and strengthening India’s long-term energy security.

The meeting included representatives from the Department of Atomic Energy and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited. Discussions focused on expanding nuclear energy alongside solar power to support India’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Committee members examined challenges related to uranium availability and discussed the potential use of India’s abundant thorium reserves. Greater investment in research, development and domestic nuclear technologies was also highlighted as essential for achieving self-reliance in atomic energy.

Committee Chairperson Dr Medha Vishram Kulkarni acknowledged India’s increasing investment in nuclear technology and praised the contribution of Indian scientists to the country’s atomic energy programme.

The discussions also recognised the first criticality of the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam. This development marks India’s progress into the second stage of its three-stage nuclear power programme.

Once the reactor becomes fully operational, India is expected to become the second country after Russia to operate a commercial fast breeder reactor. The achievement will strengthen India’s nuclear capabilities and support the development of reliable, low-carbon and domestically produced energy.