India is preparing for a monumental shift in its nuclear energy landscape as the government readies groundbreaking amendments to atomic energy laws. The proposed changes aim to dismantle long-standing barriers and invite private sector participation to accelerate the country's nuclear power capacity expansion.
Historic Legislative Overhaul
The upcoming winter session of Parliament is expected to witness the introduction of the Atomic Energy Bill, 2025, which seeks to amend the Atomic Energy Act of 1962. This foundational legislation currently restricts nuclear power plant operations exclusively to the central government and its established corporations.
Simultaneously, the government plans to revise the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010, which establishes the legal framework for compensation in case of nuclear incidents. These twin amendments represent the most significant reform in India's nuclear sector in decades.
Opening Doors to Private Investment
The proposed changes will fundamentally transform the nuclear energy sector by permitting private companies and foreign entities to develop nuclear power projects. This strategic move comes as India targets an ambitious 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, a massive leap from the current 8.78 GW generated by 24 operational reactors.
The amendments will enable Indian companies, across both public and private sectors, to form partnerships and acquire advanced nuclear technologies. Particularly significant is the focus on developing small modular reactors (SMRs), which are considered next-generation nuclear technology requiring substantially less space than conventional power plants.
Current Nuclear Landscape and Future Plans
Presently, the state-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) holds exclusive rights to operate nuclear power facilities in the country. However, the scale of expansion required to meet the 2047 target necessitates broader participation.
Several major players have already shown keen interest in entering the nuclear sector. NTPC Ltd has established a subsidiary for nuclear power development and is working on its first plant through a joint venture with NPCIL in Banswara, Rajasthan. Other public sector giants including Indian Oil Corporation Ltd and ONGC Ltd have expressed interest, while private companies like Tata Power, Vedanta, and JSW Energy have announced nuclear power plans.
An additional 6.6 GW of nuclear capacity is currently in the pipeline, but this represents only a fraction of what's needed to achieve the century goal. The private sector's involvement is crucial for bringing in the necessary capital, technology, and execution capabilities.
Strategic Importance for Energy Security
Nuclear power plays a vital role in India's comprehensive energy transition strategy, which includes 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity. While solar and wind power form the backbone of renewable energy, their intermittent nature poses grid stability challenges.
Nuclear energy offers a clean, stable, and reliable power source that can serve as baseload capacity when coal-based plants are phased out due to climate concerns. The technology provides continuous power generation regardless of weather conditions, making it an essential component of India's energy security framework.
The government's plan to utilize retired coal plant sites for nuclear facilities represents an innovative approach to infrastructure optimization, potentially accelerating the deployment timeline while minimizing land acquisition challenges.
