India to Set Norms for Private Nuclear Power Generation

India is exploring eligibility criteria for private companies to enter the nuclear power generation industry, which may mark a shift from their traditional state-only model.

Currently, only central public sector units can operate nuclear plants, but the government is having to rethink this approach given the burgeoning demand for clean energy, along with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Sources familiar with the process have indicated that the new requirements will measure companies by financial health, technical capabilities, and experience with large infrastructure projects. One of the major concerns is the company’s ability to show they can have a consistent period of positive revenue.

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"The idea is to allow companies that are established and have a proven record of developing large projects," said one of the persons cited. "The company should be a going concern, with a good financial outlook." To have an active partnership with the private sector, the budget had proposed amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act.

Long-standing investor issues arise when considering the liability risks, especially in terms of the current nuclear damage law.

Investor concerns over liability risks have long been a barrier, especially under the existing nuclear damage law. However, enabling reforms could position India’s private sector as a key player in scaling nuclear capacity from the current 8.8 GW to the targeted 100 GW by 2047, with an interim goal of reaching 22 GW by 2032.