Mumbai: After the US Senate's approval of the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal, it is estimated that with international co-operation, nuclear power in India could increase fifteen fold to over 60,000 MW by 2030 from the present 4,120 MW, according to a study.

A nuclear power program with the limited import of 30 to 40 light water reactors (1000-1600 MW each) enabling capacity addition in a relatively short period would require about Rs 30,000 to 40,000 crore per year for next two decades, said the study carried out by a Bangalore-based Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP).

A very large fraction of this investment would be spent in the country itself and would provide opportunities for Indian industries to contribute in a major way.

The availability of adequate number of skilled workforce is going to be a challenge that India would face, CSTEP's Director Dr Anshu Bharadwaj told PTI today.

"The US Senate's approval of the Indo-US civilian nuclear co-operation agreement completes the process of enabling India s nuclear power trade and commerce with other countries," Bharadwaj said.

If utilized fully, it could potentially transform India s nuclear power sector and make it a major contributor to national power generation and industrial growth, he said.
Source : PTI