Proposed Amendments to Nuclear Power Laws

The Centre is preparing to introduce significant amendments to nuclear power laws, potentially allowing private sector participation in various areas such as exploration, mining of atomic minerals, and fuel fabrication. These areas are currently managed exclusively by the government.

Current Management by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)

• The nuclear power ecosystem is currently overseen by the DAE.
• Exploration and identification of atomic minerals are conducted entirely by the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research.

Private Sector Involvement

• The Centre is considering private sector participation in:
  1. Exploration and mining of atomic minerals like uranium and lithium.
  2. Fuel fabrication, which is currently managed by the DAE's Nuclear Fuel Complex.

New Organizational Structure

• A new architecture is proposed to involve the power ministry and create specific entities for nuclear power development:
  1. Nuclear Park Development Agency: Responsible for developing infrastructure for nuclear power plants.
  2. Nuclear Power Trading Corporation: Will handle power procurement and distribution.
  3. Fuel and Heavy Water Regulator: To supply fuel assemblies and heavy water.
  4. Radioactive Waste Management & Decommissioning Authority: Will manage spent fuel reprocessing.

Expected Reforms and Roles

• The new structure includes the following:
  1. Private sector involvement in instrumentation and control systems alongside ECIL.
  2. A restructuring of entities to streamline the nuclear power generation and distribution process.