What happened?
The central government is reviewing nuclear laws to accelerate India’s nuclear energy capacity under the 100 GWe Nuclear Energy Mission, which aims to deploy 100 gigawatts of nuclear power by 2047. Union Minister for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh informed Parliament that dedicated task forces have been constituted to examine amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act. The task forces, comprising representatives from the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), are exploring private sector participation in nuclear projects. The initiative also focuses on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with the government allocating ₹20,000 crore in the Union Budget 2025 for deploying five SMRs by 2033.
Why it matters to India
The review of nuclear laws marks a major policy shift, enabling private sector participation in nuclear energy, which was previously restricted. This will accelerate India’s clean energy transition, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and support its Net Zero emissions target by 2070. SMRs offer a scalable and efficient solution for power generation in remote areas, aiding decarbonisation efforts. The move also strengthens India’s energy security by boosting domestic power production.