India encourages states to explore nuclear power plants to meet energy needs

India's power minister has urged states without coal resources to consider building nuclear power plants. This follows a government budget proposal to partner with private firms for small nuclear reactors to boost low-emission electricity generation. The minister suggested locating new nuclear plants at sites of decommissioned coal plants. India currently has 8 gigawatts of nuclear capacity and aims to increase this to 20 gigawatts by 2032. Additionally, states are encouraged to list their power utilities on the stock exchange to attract investment and enhance the power transmission system. India aims for net zero carbon emissions by 2070 and 500 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030.