Embracing adaptability in policymaking is crucial for navigating the complexities of a constantly changing world and ensuring that policies remain relevant, effective, and responsive to the needs of society. India is taking steps to open its nuclear power sector to private companies—a significant shift from its historically state-controlled approach. While the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 had restricted nuclear power generation to government-owned entities, recent policy changes and budget announcements indicate a push toward private sector involvement and global outreach.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who oversees the Department of Atomic Energy, recently said that India will be able to address the apprehensions of the private sector globally about investments in the civil nuclear sector, which was opened up to achieve the ambitious target of producing 100 GW of atomic power by 2047. He also stressed that changes in relevant rules and legislation will have to be made to facilitate the entry of the private sector in the field of nuclear energy, which is currently under the tight control of the government.

This policy shift is driven by the need to attract private capital, potentially increasing India’s nuclear capacity and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It is a move that would require amendments to existing laws, and India is considering changes to the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010 to allow private companies to build, own, and operate nuclear power plants.

It may be recalled that in February this year, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, introducing the Union Budget for 2025, announced the creation of a new Nuclear Energy Mission for ‘Viksit Bharat’ and indicated amending laws that are limiting nuclear industry growth. Viksit Bharat 2047 represents the government’s vision to transform India into a developed entity by its 100th Independence anniversary in 2047.

The Finance Minister said that generating at least 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047 is “essential for our energy transition efforts." She added: “For an active partnership with the private sector towards this goal, amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act will be made." She also said that a Nuclear Energy Mission for research & development into Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) will be set up with an investment of Rupees 20,000 crores ($2.3 billion). At least five indigenously developed SMRs will be operational by 2033, she said.

Many countries allow private sector participation in nuclear power generation, though the........

© News18