Proposed Amendments to Nuclear Energy Legislation

The Union government is considering amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. This initiative aims to facilitate private investment in nuclear energy, as articulated by Minister of State for Atomic Energy, Jitendra Singh.

Key Proposals

• The amendments are expected to address: 
  • Involvement of the private sector in nuclear reactor development.
  • Mitigation of unlimited monetary liabilities currently imposed on equipment manufacturers by the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act.
  • Allowing private and foreign investments in nuclear plants, as currently restricted by the Atomic Energy Act.
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman previously outlined a "mission" for nuclear energy in the Union Budget, emphasizing private sector participation.

Current Challenges

• The 2008 India-U.S. nuclear deal did not significantly advance nuclear reactor development in India, partly due to stringent liability laws.
• Nuclear power contributes only 1.6% to India's energy mix despite longstanding investments.
• Public apprehensions regarding nuclear safety.
• Historical associations with nuclear weapons.
• Limited nuclear fuel supply.
• High capital costs of nuclear plant development.

Future Goals and Initiatives

• India aims to increase its nuclear power capacity from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32, and to 100 GW by 2047.
• The country is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2070.
• A ₹20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission has been announced to develop indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with at least five reactors to be operational by 2033.