India has set its sights on a monumental transformation of its energy landscape, with a proposed overhaul of its civil nuclear legislation forming a critical pillar of this ambition. The government's plan, detailed in recent reports, targets a massive expansion of nuclear power capacity as a cornerstone of its clean energy strategy.
The Ambitious Nuclear Roadmap
At the heart of this policy shift is a staggering numerical goal. India aims to grow its nuclear power capacity to 100 gigawatts (GW) within the next two decades. This represents a more than twelve-fold increase from the current installed capacity of 8.2 GW. The scale of this expansion underscores the nation's serious commitment to making atomic energy a key part of its long-term energy security and climate commitments.
Decoding the Proposed Legal Changes
To facilitate this unprecedented growth, changes to the existing civil nuclear legal framework are being considered. While the full details of the amendment bill are awaited, the overarching objective is clear: to streamline processes, attract investment, and accelerate project development in the nuclear sector. The existing law, the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010, has been a topic of discussion among domestic and international stakeholders. The proposed changes are expected to address concerns related to liability clauses and create a more investor-friendly ecosystem to enable the rapid scaling of projects.
The reforms are likely to focus on creating a predictable and efficient regulatory environment. This is essential for mobilizing the massive capital and technological partnerships required to build dozens of new reactors across the country. The move signals a strategic push to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and bolster the share of non-fossil, baseload power in the national grid.
Implications for India's Clean Energy Future
This policy direction has far-reaching consequences. Achieving 100 GW of nuclear capacity would position India as a global leader in atomic energy and make a substantial contribution to its pledge of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Nuclear power provides reliable, continuous electricity, unlike intermittent sources like solar and wind, making it a crucial component for grid stability alongside renewables.
The success of this plan hinges on several factors, including technology partnerships, domestic manufacturing capabilities, and public acceptance. The proposed legal changes are the first critical step in building the necessary foundation. If implemented effectively, they can unlock significant opportunities for public sector enterprises like the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and potentially open doors for greater private sector participation in ancillary and construction activities.
As of the latest update on 16 December 2025, the government is actively working on this legislative agenda. The world will be watching closely as India navigates this complex but potentially transformative path to secure its energy future and fight climate change through a bold nuclear push.
