With nuclear energy forming a major source of renewable energy, India holds immense potential to emerge as a key player in manufacturing low-cost nuclear equipment  On the sidelines of the third annual session of Visionary Leaders for Manufacturing Programme (VLFM) jointly organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council of India (NMCC) and Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA), industry insiders have opined that India holds immense potential to become a leading player in manufacturing low-cost nuclear equipment. Addressing the session, Dr Anil Kakodar, ex-chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, opines, “The power requirement in India is going to increase significantly in the next 10-15 years and the country has the required capabilities to manufacture nuclear equipment at a low cost.” Mr Kakodar also added that these equipment form around 35-40% of the cost of nuclear power generation.High demand for renewable sources of energy
Analysts opine that nuclear power has tremendous scope in India, considering the steady depletion of non-renewable resources such as coal and petrol. In this context, Abdul Sheikh, managing director of Zar Power Equipment, a small-sized manufacturer of power equipment in Mumbai, says, “With industrial activities gaining momentum in the country, the demand for renewable sources of energy is on the rise. Several industrial activities suffer due to shortage of power during peak hours. Nuclear energy is also an answer to clean energy and with environmental concerns, it is high time to promote and utilise this form of energy.”
Mr Sheikh also added that with India boasting of availability of cheap and skilled labour, there is no doubt that the country has immense potential to emerge as a key player in manufacturing low-cost nuclear equipment. Experts also believe that with the country emerging as the hub for manufacturing nuclear power equipment at a low cost, the same will increase the manufacturing sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP. At the same time, it will entice foreign firms to set up their manufacturing units in the country, which will further provide a fillip to the industry.
Arup Choudhury |
