Nuclear power remains option for energy requirements: India

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Nuclear power is still seen as an option for meeting energy requirements, despite the nuclear accident in the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan last year.

That's what Annu Tandon, a member of the Indian delegation to the United Nations told the General Assembly as it discussed the report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Monday.

Ms. Tandon said the IAEA's projections of global nuclear power capacity in 2030 are slightly lower than previous estimates, because some countries have put off their decisions to introduce nuclear programmes.

However, Ms. Tandon cited several factors that make nuclear power part of what countries consider for their energy needs.

"The increasing global demand for energy, as well as concerns about climate change, volatile fossil fuel prices and the security of energy supplies remain essential factors in deciding an energy mix for any country. This is aptly reflected by the observation in the report that despite the nuclear accident in Japan in March 2011, nuclear power remains an important option not only for countries with existing nuclear programmes, but also for developing countries with growing energy requirements." (Duration: 29")

Ms. Tandon said that nuclear energy has what she describes as "a crucial role to play" in India's sustainable economic growth.