U.S. reactors shutting down due to high costs, but technology may benefit India: Official

The Director of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), Dave Perr, has said that the rising cost of power generation using nuclear energy is leading to the closing of reactors in the United States, but added that this technology would be beneficial for India.

India and the U.S. signed a Civil Nuclear Deal in 2008 that ended decades of New Delhi's isolation, providing it access to technology and fuel for its peaceful energy needs.

Interacting with media persons in Atlanta city on Thursday, Perr said that four reactors have been shut down in the United States due to the increased cost of production.

"I think that in time we may see it becoming feasible. Today, I don't believe it is. We are seeing plants shut down in the United States because they cannot produce power economically. That may change in time, it's hard to tell," he said.

The agreement was sealed despite New Delhi testing nuclear bombs in 1974 and 1998, and never signing the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT).

In exchange for the nuclear fuel, technology and reactors, India had agreed to open up 14 civilian nuclear facilities to international inspection.

But the WANO director was quick to point out that India's power needs were different and nuclear energy would prove to be a sustainable source.

"I think the economics are different in different parts of the world and I believe in India there is a need for electricity, it's a safe technology and I think it will add value and well being to your country," Perr added.

At present, India has two upcoming nuclear power plants, while more than a dozen are functional.

India is struggling, to meet its growing electricity demand, and suffers a peak-hour power deficit of about 12 percent, which has consequently, slowed down the economy significantly.

India plans to add 63 Gigawatts of nuclear power by building 30 reactors by 2032.