India has potential to be leader in renewable energy: IRENA

India has the potential to be the leader in the renewable energy sector, International Renewable Energy Agency chief Helene Pelosse said today.

"I think India has the potential to emerge as the leader in renewable energy and help the world in making photo voltaic panels and solar energy commodities in next few years," she told reporters here.

Asked about India's plans to focus on nuclear and coal-based energy sources, she said, "I think they want to grow their nuclear share and also want to grow through renewable share."

"At some point, with nuclear, you have the issue of waste and you have the issue of future as there is not enough uranium on earth and it is not renewable," she added.

Pelosse said that nuclear waste lasts for 10,000 years and it was not viable economically also.

IRENA chief had yesterday met New and Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah and discussed the potential and future of renewable energy in the country.

Drawing a parallel with the electronics industry, Pelosse said that Asia would also become the hub of production of renewable energy equipment and the shift of industry had already started.