Task Force Evaluates Revisions to Atomic Energy Act for Private Sector Involvement: Government
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Synopsis
A Task Force has been formed in the DAE to examine amendments needed in the Atomic Energy Act to facilitate private sector participation in nuclear power generation, as revealed in Parliament. This initiative supports the government's nuclear energy plan targeting 100 GWe by 2047.
Key Takeaways
- Task Force created to study Atomic Energy Act revisions.
- Focus on private sector participation in nuclear energy.
- Target of 100 GWe nuclear energy by 2047.
- Investment of Rs 20,000 crore for SMRs.
- Collaboration with private industry for Bharat Small Reactor.
New Delhi, March 20 (NationPress) A Task Force has been established within the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) to examine the necessary amendments to the Atomic Energy Act aimed at facilitating the government's initiative to incorporate the private sector in nuclear power generation, as reported to Parliament on Thursday.
The Task Force is investigating various factors, including the build, own, operate model for nuclear facilities by private entities, as well as issues related to nuclear safety, security, and safeguards, according to Union Minister of State for Atomic Energy and Space Jitendra Singh in a written response to the Rajya Sabha.
He stated that the nuclear energy agenda announced in the Budget 2025 aims for the deployment of 100 GWe of nuclear energy by 2047, a crucial step toward achieving NetZero by 2070.
“This mission seeks to offer a dependable energy alternative to fossil fuels, intending to replace aging thermal power plants, establish captive facilities for energy-intensive industries, and supply energy to remote and off-grid areas, thereby decarbonizing the energy sector,” he noted.
Dr. Singh mentioned that the DAE is currently designing and developing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with a budgetary allocation of Rs 20,000 crore in the Budget 2025 for the deployment of five SMRs by 2033.
This funding is aimed at supporting the development of SMRs, including models such as the Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR)-200Mwe, Small Modular Reactor (SMR)-55Mwe, and a gas-cooled high-temperature reactor designed for hydrogen production.
In the fiscal year 2024-25, as outlined in the Budget, a policy directive has been established to collaborate with the private sector for the establishment of the Bharat Small Reactor (BSR). Following this directive, the NPCIL has issued a Request-for-Proposal to private companies for financing and constructing small-sized 220 MW-PHWR based Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) as captive facilities for electricity generation, the Minister of State stated.
The Task Force has been formed within the DAE to explore the amendments necessary for the Atomic Energy Act, he added.
“This Task Force comprises members from the DAE, AERB, NPCIL, NITI Aayog, MoLJ, and MEA. It is assessing various components, such as the build, own, operation of NPPs by private entities, nuclear safety, security, safeguards, fuel procurement/fabrication, waste management, and spent fuel reprocessing,” he explained.
“Additionally, a distinct Task Force is also reviewing the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLND Act) to address the concerns raised by private suppliers,” he added.
