Helium-3 mined from the moon could help meet the world's energy needs (Photo: Reuters)

According to a scientist associated with ISRO, India could be able to meet its entire energy requirements by mining resources from the moon within the next two decades.

Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Sivathanu Pillai, a distinguished professor at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), said all of India's energy requirements needs could be met by helium-3 mined from the moon.

"By 2030, this process target will be met," Pillai said while at the three-day ORF-Kalpana Chawla Space Policy Dialogue, organised by Observer Research Foundation.

Pillai, a former chief of BrahMos Aerospace, said mining lunar dust, which is rich in helium-3 is a priority programme for the ISRO. Pillai also said that other countries too are working on similar projects that there is enough helium on the moon to meet the energy needs of the worlds.

"In a few decades, people will be going to the moon for honey-moon," Pillai quipped during his address.

The idea of harvesting energy from the moon has fascinated both science fiction and reality. The European Space Agency notes on its website that it is believed "this isotope could provide safer nuclear energy in a fusion reactor, since it is not radioactive and would not produce dangerous waste products."

(With inputs from IANS)

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