ATHENS, Greece, April 27 (UPI) -- Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam said during a visit to Greece Friday his country is determined to achieve energy independence by 2030.
Kalam -- a noted scientist credited with developing India's space program before becoming president -- told scientists at Athens National Center for Scientific Research that India has to boost its nuclear power production in a big way, using thorium which is abundantly available in the country.
He said thorium needs to be converted into a fissile material using fast breeder technology, the Press Trust of India reported.
"Energy independence is India's first and highest priority," said Kalam. "We are determined to achieve this by the year 2030 through three different sources -- renewable energy, electrical power from nuclear energy and hydro-power for the transportation sector."
He called for greater cooperation between India and Greece, which is a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
"India has to go in for nuclear power generation in a big way using thorium-based reactors ... Intensive research is essential for converting thorium for maximizing its utilization and generating electric power through thorium-based reactors," Kalam said.
