India to Lead Clean Energy Transition: Jitendra Singh

• Energy independence is economic and strategic necessity, says Dr Jitendra Singh
• Nuclear power critical for data centres, AI and advanced computing
• India to lead, not follow, global clean energy transition
• Clean energy now a way of life, not just a policy debate

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 20th Dec: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh on Friday said energy independence has become an economic, strategic and geopolitical necessity, aligning closely with India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and its expanding global role.

Addressing an event in the national capital, the Minister said India’s transition towards clean and diversified energy sources is no longer optional. “Debates on whether to adopt green energy are redundant. If India has to move forward, there is simply no alternative,” he said, stressing that energy security is now directly linked to geopolitical compatibility.

Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted that reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports strengthens self-reliance and prepares India for an inevitable global shift, noting that even traditional energy-exporting nations are diversifying rapidly. “Clinging to outdated energy models is like holding on to obsolete technology—soon even spare parts will not be available,” he remarked.

Emphasising India’s growing leadership role, the Minister said the country is no longer following global trends but setting them, particularly in climate action, clean energy and advanced technologies. He recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Net Zero commitment for 2070 and the target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear energy capacity by 2047.

While renewable energy will remain central to India’s energy mix, Dr Jitendra Singh underlined that sectors such as data centres, artificial intelligence and advanced computing require uninterrupted, stable 24×7 power—an area where nuclear energy plays a critical role. He advocated a hybrid energy model combining renewables, nuclear, hydrogen and emerging technologies based on suitability and efficiency.

The Minister also pointed to bold reforms by the government, including opening strategic sectors like nuclear energy and space to private participation. He called for stronger public-private collaboration, saying national progress demands shared responsibility and integrated action.

Concluding his address, Dr Jitendra Singh said clean energy is no longer confined to policy discussions. “It is becoming a way of life. India will not follow the world in clean energy transition—it will lead,” he asserted.