"Opportunity to really strengthen uranium out of Australia into India": Minerals Council CEO Tania Constable eyes India's 1,000 GW ambition
Melbourne, July 9
As India aggressively pivots toward nuclear energy to power its industrial growth, Tania Constable, Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Council of Australia, has identified a significant opportunity for Australia to become a key supplier in New Delhi's energy transition, with an ambitious target of achieving 1,000 gigawatts of nuclear energy capacity by 2047.
Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the Australia CEO Forum on Clean Energy and Nuclear Partnerships, Constable underscored the importance of the close ties between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in driving bilateral cooperation.
"There is an obvious strong relationship between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Albanese that has been there now for a few years. Great to see that that is occurring at the moment. And it's that strength of relationship right at the top between our countries that will continue to drive a strong strategic partnership," she said.
Highlighting opportunities to deepen economic engagement, particularly in the energy sector, Constable said Australia was well placed to support India's long-term clean energy goals.
"Well, we've got a long history of trade and investment between Australia and India. Now there's an opportunity to really strengthen uranium out of Australia into India to meet its huge ambitions of 1,000 gigawatts by 2047," she said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (local time) said Australia can play a significant role in helping India achieve its target of 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030, highlighting opportunities for collaboration in clean energy, nuclear power and infrastructure.
Addressing business leaders, PM Modi made the remarks at the Australia CEO Forum on Clean Energy and Nuclear Partnerships Reception in Melbourne, attended by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Highlighting India's clean energy ambitions, PM Modi said, "Many companies associated with clean energy are present here. We are building a manufacturing ecosystem in India for hydro projects, green hydrogen, solar modules, and wind turbines. India has set a target of achieving 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2070. Australia's technology, capital, and resources can accelerate this transition."
He also underlined the scope for cooperation in civil nuclear energy, saying, "We have set a target of 100 gigawatts of nuclear energy capacity by 2047. Australia's vast uranium reserves align directly with India's nuclear journey."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting to see this partnership developing. Australia has the uranium, India has the need. The Modi-Albanese relationship seems genuinely productive. Let's hope this translates into real projects and not just MOUs and press releases.
Finally some seriousness on nuclear. For too long we relied on coal and imported oil. 100 GW nuclear by 2047 is ambitious but achievable if we start now. Australia is a reliable partner and their uranium is world-class. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳🔥
Respectfully, 1000 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 is unrealistic given India's current ~7 GW nuclear. Even with aggressive expansion, 100 GW by 2047 is more plausible. The uranium deal is good business for Australia, but let's not overhype the targets. Cost and safety concerns remain significant.
I'm cautiously optimistic. Nuclear is clean and reliable baseload power, but we must ensure proper safety standards and waste disposal. Also, let's not become dependent on uranium imports—we should explore thorium-based reactors since India has the world's largest thorium reserves. Australia deal should be complementary, not primary.
Good to see mature nations collaborating on clean energy. Nuclear is back in vogue globally and India-Australia partnership makes sense. Hope the commercial terms are fair for both sides. This could be a win-win if executed properly.
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