NEW DELHI, Sep 16: Power Minister Manohar Lal held talks with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright in Houston, with discussions focusing on India’s nuclear energy expansion plans, growing power infrastructure needs and broader cooperation in the clean energy sector.
Lal met Wright on Tuesday on the sidelines of the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial in Houston, according to the Power Minister’s office.
The discussions covered India’s expanding electricity requirements for emerging sectors, including artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and data centres. The two sides also exchanged views on the country’s roadmap for expanding nuclear power capacity.
The meeting also focused on strengthening cooperation in clean energy, developing resilient energy infrastructure and advancing emerging technologies. The talks come as India seeks to significantly expand its nuclear power generation capacity over the coming decades.
US energy companies have shown interest in participating in India’s growing nuclear energy sector as the country works towards its long-term goal of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
India last year enacted the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Act, known as the SHANTI Act. The legislation opened the country’s tightly regulated nuclear sector to greater private sector participation.
Meanwhile, India has also significantly increased imports of liquefied petroleum gas and liquefied natural gas from the United States. According to data from maritime intelligence firm Kpler, purchases of the two fuels have risen as disruptions associated with the conflict in West Asia have affected supplies from traditional Gulf producers.
The latest engagement between India and the United States highlights the expanding scope of bilateral energy cooperation, covering nuclear power, conventional fuels, clean energy and technologies needed to meet rapidly rising electricity demand.