India's Renewed Quest for Nuclear Power
India's pursuit of nuclear power is driven by political motivations, necessitating legislative actions to amend laws, allowing private sector participation and easing liability concerns. This transition aims to create a new ecosystem, shifting from a focus solely on nuclear deterrents to making power generation a strategic goal.
Strategic Goals and Current Status
- India aims for a total power capacity of 1,800 GW by 2047, with 250 GW from nuclear sources.
- Currently, India's nuclear power production stands at just over 8 GW, indicating a need for substantial growth.
Challenges and Requirements
- The existing setup, managed by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), controls all nuclear activities, posing a hurdle for expansion.
- A new independent regulatory framework, similar to TRAI in telecom, is suggested to manage the sector effectively.
- Recommendations include establishing a Nuclear Energy Mission led by a Cabinet Secretary to facilitate the transition.
International Context and US-India Relations
- The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed the International Nuclear Energy Act of 2025 to boost US nuclear technology exports, specifically mentioning India as a "partner" nation.
- This act promotes collaboration, excluding countries like China, Russia, and Iran.
- India must establish acceptable frameworks for liability, waste management, and licensing systems to benefit from this collaboration.
Conclusion
India's nuclear power expansion requires significant structural changes, institutional support, and international partnerships. The goal is to cultivate a conducive environment for nuclear growth, a vision partly initiated but incomplete from the previous nuclear deal.
