Nuclear power could be answer for clean energy: Pranab Mukherjee

MUMBAI: Batting for nuclear power to fulfil India's energy needs, President Pranab Mukherjee today termed as "unacceptable" the low production of atomic power in the country and said this form of energy could be the answer to the nation's quest for clean energy.

He said only two per cent of the country's electricity requirement is fulfilled by nuclear power. "This position, I believe, every conscientious Indian citizen will agree is not acceptable," the President said.

Mukherjee was addressing the 56th graduation ceremony of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Training School here.

He also lauded Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his efforts to end the country's boycott by nuclear suppliers group and signing of the civil nuclear deal first with the US and later with other countries.

Pitching for nuclear energy, he said, "Between environmental protection, environmental requirement and developmental requirement, to have clean energy, perhaps we ought to concentrate on nuclear energy."

Mukherjee said that there is a shortage of 56 lakh million units of power in the country and one-fourth of households still have no access to electricity.

He exhorted the atomic energy community to undertake public outreach measures to allay perceived fears and concerns about nuclear power.