India to Open Nuclear Sector for Private Players, Key Legislative Changes on the Horizon

  Nuclear Energy is Critical for India’s Net Zero Goal, Major Expansion Planned: Dr. Jitendra Singh Government Unveils Nuclear Power Roadmap...

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Nuclear Energy is Critical for India’s Net Zero Goal, Major Expansion Planned: Dr. Jitendra Singh

Government Unveils Nuclear Power Roadmap: Private Investments, SMRs, and 100 GW Goal by 2047

Public Awareness Drive on Nuclear Energy Crucial for India’s Clean Energy Transition: Dr. Jitendra Singh

New Delhi.

Asal Baat news. 

Addressing a post-budget webinar organized by NITI Aayog, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that Nuclear Energy is critical for India’s Net Zero goal.

He highlighted the Union Budget 2024-25’s vision for India’s nuclear power expansion, which sets a target of achieving 100 GW by 2047.

Pointing out the crucial role of nuclear energy in India’s transition to clean energy and achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070, he called for private sector participation, regulatory reforms, and sustained public engagement.

Highlighting the growing energy demand, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that India’s electricity needs are expected to increase four to five times by 2047. While renewable energy sources are expanding, they alone cannot meet the base-load demand, making nuclear power a key component of India’s energy strategy. “Achieving 100 GW of nuclear power will require a focused and determined approach, adding around 4 GW annually from now onwards,” he said, expressing confidence in meeting the goal with proper planning and execution.

A major shift in India’s nuclear policy is the proposed involvement of the private sector in designing, building, and operating nuclear power plants. Dr. Jitendra Singh acknowledged that legislative amendments to the Atomic Energy Act, Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, and Electricity Act would be required to enable this participation. “Opening up the nuclear sector will send a strong policy signal to industry players, boosting investor confidence and encouraging long-term investments,” he noted.

He also highlighted that NPCIL, along with its subsidiaries, aims to contribute nearly half of the 100 GW target by leveraging domestic and international partnerships. Meanwhile, NTPC’s joint venture, Ashwini, has already taken the lead in constructing four 700 MWe PHWRs at Mahi-Banswara.