Adani Group's resolution of its legal troubles in the United States could open the door for the conglomerate to play a significant role in India's nuclear energy expansion, according to Dr Kris Singh, Founder and CEO of Holtec International, a US-based nuclear and clean energy technology company. Singh made the remarks in a recent interview, describing the development as a positive step for India's broader energy ambitions.

Adani Well-Positioned for Nuclear Infrastructure

'I'm glad to see that it's been settled. So, the Adani (Group) can participate in the nuclear programme that had just opened up,' Singh said. He described the conglomerate as 'a fantastic business conglomerate' and 'a critical business house in India,' pointing to its track record in large-scale infrastructure. 'I think they will make a great contribution in the nuclear program right up the alley with the way they do things. They have built ports. They have built fairly large infrastructure projects,' he added.

Why Nuclear Is Indispensable for India

Singh argued that India's rapidly expanding energy requirements cannot be met by solar and wind power alone. While acknowledging India's significant investments in renewables, he cautioned that intermittent sources lack the reliability needed for a heavily industrialised economy. 'The problem with solar though, is that the batteries have a very short life. They tend to be prone to fire,' he noted. 'Nuclear provides the base load. The load doesn't change. 24X7, you have a base load. So nuclear is indispensable,' Singh said.

The Case for Small Modular Reactors Across India

Singh strongly advocated for the widespread deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) across Indian districts as a means of decentralising power generation. He argued that locally sited SMRs would reduce reliance on costly, long-distance high-voltage transmission infrastructure. 'You don't need big, giant high voltage lines that carry gigawatts of energy because they get very, very expensive,' he said. This aligns with a broader global push toward SMR adoption as a scalable, lower-footprint nuclear solution.

Holtec Engaging Indian Officials

Holtec International is already in active dialogue with Indian government officials through its India operations, Singh confirmed, noting that his company's India-based leadership was scheduled to meet officials imminently. He also called on India to liberalise foreign investment rules in the nuclear sector. 'The country needs to get to a place where somebody, if Russia, wants to come and build a reactor in the country, they should be able to come build it,' Singh said. Originally from Bihar, Singh founded Holtec International in 1986; the firm now operates across multiple countries as a global nuclear and clean energy company.

What Comes Next

With the Adani Group's US legal settlement reportedly behind it, and India's civil nuclear sector showing signs of greater openness to private and foreign participation, the stage may be set for accelerated investment. Analysts and industry observers will be watching whether the government moves to formalise SMR policy frameworks and ease foreign direct investment norms in the sector in the months ahead.