Nuclear Energy to Power India’s AI-Driven Future: Dr Jitendra Singh

Convener News Desk

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New Delhi, October 20: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh has said India’s nuclear programme remains dedicated to peaceful purposes, with nuclear energy expected to play a growing role in meeting the country’s future electricity needs, including those of AI systems and data centres.

 

Speaking on the sidelines of the Bloomberg Economy Forum 2026, Singh said India’s nuclear energy ambitions were rooted in the vision of Dr Homi Bhabha, the architect of the country’s nuclear programme, and aligned with its long-term development and clean energy goals.

 

India aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 and net-zero emissions by 2070. Singh said nuclear energy could complement other power sources by providing a reliable, continuous supply of electricity as demand rises.

 

He linked the expansion of artificial intelligence and data centres to the need for dependable power infrastructure, noting that these technologies require substantial and uninterrupted electricity supplies.

 

On AI, Singh said the technology should be treated as a tool applicable across sectors, including space, life sciences and scientific research, rather than as a standalone domain.

 

“One has to be intelligent enough to use Artificial Intelligence,” he said, emphasising the importance of human judgement in its application.

Singh said the challenge was to maximise AI’s benefits while preventing its misuse. He stressed that responsible use required appropriate regulation as well as integrity at the individual and national levels.

The minister also referred to the opening of critical and sensitive sectors to non-government players under the Narendra Modi-led government, saying the move had created opportunities for greater private sector participation in technological development and innovation.

An official spokesperson of the ministry said his remarks highlighted the government’s focus on expanding nuclear power capacity and integrating emerging technologies into India’s development strategy, with reliable electricity supply expected to remain important to the growth of AI and other technology-intensive sectors. (PIB)