PM Modi Backs Nuclear Power, Questions Court Challenges to Projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday made a strong pitch for expanding nuclear power, questioning those who advocate environmental protection while moving courts to block nuclear energy projects.

Addressing the International Conference on “The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics” in New Delhi, Modi said India was pursuing development alongside environmental responsibility, with its energy transition spanning solar, wind, hydropower and nuclear generation.

“Those who deliver long speeches about the environment are the very ones who rush to court to try to halt nuclear energy projects when I push them forward,” he said at the conference organised by the National Green Tribunal.

Nuclear Power in Focus

India has set a target of reaching 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 under its Nuclear Energy Mission. The government has also announced measures to widen participation in the sector and develop small modular reactors.

Modi said the country was rapidly advancing nuclear generation as part of a broader expansion of clean and low-carbon energy sources.

“Alongside solar energy, India has achieved significant milestones in other clean energy sectors as well,” he said.

The Prime Minister said wind-energy capacity had tripled over the past 12 years, while hydropower capacity had also increased.

Solar Reaches Homes and Farms

Highlighting the scale of solar expansion, Modi said India’s installed capacity had grown from around 2 GW 12 years ago to more than 160 GW.

He said rooftop solar systems had been installed in over 50 lakh homes under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Around 30 lakh farmers had benefited from solar pumps under the PM-KUSUM scheme, he added.

Modi also referred to initiatives involving coal gasification, hydrogen and electric vehicles as part of the country’s energy and mobility efforts.

He highlighted the launch of India’s first indigenous hydrogen-powered train, which began operations on the Jind–Sonipat section in July, describing it as a new phase in clean mobility.

Climate Action and Equity

The Prime Minister pointed to India’s international initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Global Biofuel Alliance, International Big Cat Alliance and Mission LiFE.

He said India had consistently pressed for greater equity in global climate action, noting that its per-capita carbon emissions remained below the global average.

“India’s approach is rooted in its civilisational traditions,” Modi said, calling for collective global action to address contemporary climate challenges.

The two-day conference, being held on September 19 and 20, brings together judges, environmental experts, policymakers and judicial representatives from 17 countries. Discussions will focus on climate change, environmental governance and environmental justice.

With inputs from ANI