PM Modi Hails Nuclear Milestone in ‘Mann Ki Baat’; India Hits 56 GW Wind Energy Landmark
NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his latest Mann Ki Baat address on April 26, 2026, lauded India’s rapid strides toward energy self-reliance, highlighting a major breakthrough in nuclear technology and record-breaking growth in the wind energy sector.
A “Historic Milestone” at Kalpakkam
The Prime Minister officially celebrated the achievement of criticality at the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. Describing it as a “historic milestone in India’s nuclear energy journey,” PM Modi emphasized that this puts India at the forefront of advanced nuclear research globally.
The Kalpakkam reactor is a centerpiece of India’s three-stage nuclear power program, designed to utilize thorium as a fuel source in the future, ensuring long-term energy security for the nation.
Wind Energy: India Ranks 4th Globally
Turning to the renewable sector, the Prime Minister shared impressive data regarding India’s wind energy infrastructure. The nation’s total wind power generation capacity has now exceeded 56 Gigawatts (GW).
Key highlights from the energy report:
- Record Growth: Approximately 6 GW of new wind capacity was added in the last fiscal year alone.
- Global Standing: India firmly holds its position as the fourth-largest country in the world in terms of installed wind energy capacity.
- Economic Impact: The expansion is fueling thousands of jobs in manufacturing and maintenance across “wind-rich” states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
The Path to “Net Zero”
The Prime Minister reiterated that these achievements are vital steps toward India’s commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070. By balancing high-tech nuclear baseload power with rapidly expanding wind and solar grids, India is positioning itself as a global leader in the green energy transition.
“This is not just about power generation; it is about the power of Indian innovation and our commitment to a cleaner planet,” the PM noted during his address.