Representative picture. | Photo Credit: Reuters
Consistency continues to bring new laws that allow the private sector to operate nuclear power plants in India, with questions about nuclear waste management and determining whether private players can carry out basic research of nuclear technologies that are still ironed.
The proposals for the proposed new bill were still considered by the intergovernmental committee of experts and the Ministry of Law, although in the upcoming winter meeting of parliament was introduced “good chance”.
Currently, only Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), Bhartiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (Bhavini) and NPCIL-NTPC Common Bleening Fan is building nuclear power plants in the country.
In February, however, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated in her budgetary speech that the government intended to change two acts – the Act on Atomic Energy and Civil Responsibility for the Nuclear Damage Act – to enable private companies, including foreign companies, to create partnerships and build and run in India.
“Unlimited liability for foreign suppliers”
Despite the Indo-American Nuclear Agreement formally enabling the sale of nuclear technologies to India, albeit with built-in periodic inspection and control of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Diales in the Indian Act on Atomic Energy and Civil Responsibility Act (2010). the case of an accident.
“The aim is to align Indian laws on liability with conventions, such as the Convention on Additional Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC),” said the above official. “However, we must also bring clarity of questions such as the one who will be responsible, whether it is a private sector or government power plant operators, for safe disposal of nuclear waste and for re -processing of compliance with nuclear fuel.
The government move to support greater participation in the private sector is to install 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 with a larger goal. This is based not only on the import of foreign reactors, but also on the development of small Bharat (BSR) reactors and exploring partnership with the private sector. BSR are 220 MW for pressure heavy water reactors (PhWR). These reactors are upgraded to reduce the soil requirements, so they are suitable for deployment near industries such as steel, aluminum and metals, serving as captured power plants that help decarbonization.
The plan includes private entities providing soil, cooling water and capital, while NPCIL processes design, quality and operation and maintenance. In accordance with India’s obligation, this initiative is to achieve non -formal energy production by 2030 by 2030 by 2030 and meets 50% of its renewable energy energy requirements by 2030.
In addition to BSRS, the atomic research center Bhabha (BARC) develops small modular reactors (SMR) for re -strengthening coal -based power plants and the need to meet the energy in remote locations. Atomic energy department (DAE) also plans to introduce new nuclear reactors, including high -temperature gas reactors for hydrogen cogeneration and molten salt reactors focused on the use of abundant Indian sources of Thoria.
Published – October 6, 2025 20:03
