Patna: Union energy minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday said that the Centre would extend full cooperation to Bihar government in setting up a nuclear power plant in the state.
Addressing the media in Patna after presiding over a meeting of energy ministers of eastern states of Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal among others, Khattar said the union government will provide all help to Bihar government in setting up a nuclear plant in the state.
The union minister said that six small modular reactors (SMRs) are to be set up across the country and one of them will be set up in Bihar.
Ministers and representatives of eastern states participated in the fifth conference held in Patna.
Replying to a media query, Khattar said, “The Bihar government had requested establishment of a nuclear power plant in the state. The central government is fully prepared to provide support to the state for the project.”
He said that in future India would require more power to meet its growing demand.
Explaining it, union minister said, “We aim to set up a nuclear power plant in every state to ensure the country’s energy security.”
He said that it is expected to provide a stable energy source but also to boost investment, employment and technological advancement in the region.
The union minister also agreed to the Bihar government’s proposal to provide 500 MW energy additionally for a period of six months. He said that works were underway on thermal power, solar, wind power and storage across the country.
He said that the Bihar government has advocated for 1000 MW power storage. The union minister said that the demand for providing 500 MW to Bihar for six months would be conceded.
He revealed that the government has prepared a power-vision for 2035. He also appreciated the works carried out by NDA government in Bihar in power sector and said that it has helped the state move forward.
He lauded the state government for installation of 80 lakh smart meters in Bihar, which is a record in itself. He claimed that India, which earlier was considered a power-deficit country, is now supplying energy to countries like Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Nepal.
