India to Allow Private Participation in Nuclear Sector

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government is getting ready to allow private participation in India’s previously highly regulated nuclear power sector to enhance the nation’s energy security.

“We are progressing towards the opening of the nuclear sector too.” “We are establishing the groundwork for a significant role for the private sector in this area as well,” PM Modi stated in a video address at the inauguration of Skyroot Aerospace’s Infinity campus in Hyderabad.

He mentioned that the reform will generate prospects in small modular reactors, advanced reactors, and nuclear innovation, while also enhancing India’s energy security and technological dominance.

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Presently, India's nuclear energy capacity is limited, featuring 23 reactors operated exclusively by the state-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL), which has an installed capacity of only 8.8 GW. Nonetheless, it aims to reach a capacity of 22 GW by 2032 and 100 GW by 2047. In light of this situation, the Centre's intention to permit private firms in the civil nuclear domain may assist the nation in progressing toward its objectives.

During the Budget presentation earlier this year, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also revealed intentions to revise the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, according to PTI. In 2008, India established a landmark civil nuclear deal with the United States;

 however, private companies have been reluctant since then due to the potential for unlimited liability in case of any mishap and the prohibition on foreign investment in India's nuclear facilities.