Archive · 2 Nov 2025
India Eyes Winter Session for N-power Sector Reforms, Seeks Capital Over Technology
India wants to make its nuclear power industry more open to private companies and foreign money.
Right now, laws make it hard for outside companies to invest and worry about accidents.
The government plans to change these rules, hopefully in the winter.
They are looking for money to build more nuclear power plants, especially smaller ones called Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
These SMRs can help provide electricity when solar and wind power aren't available.
Some big Indian companies are already interested in helping to build these new reactors.
The government believes this will help India get more stable power and use cleaner energy.
India is preparing amendments to two key laws governing its atomic energy sector for introduction in the upcoming Winter Session.
The reforms aim to attract capital for scaling up nuclear power, driven more by financial needs than technological requirements.
Amendments to the nuclear liability law seek to ease concerns for foreign vendors regarding potential accident liabilities.
Changes to the Atomic Energy Act will allow private companies to hold up to 49% equity in nuclear power projects and attract foreign investment.
There is a push to develop and deploy Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for industrial decarbonisation and to provide essential baseload power.
- Who
- The Indian government and private sector entities
- What
- Considering amendments to nuclear energy laws to allow greater private and foreign investment, with a focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
- When
- Aiming for introduction in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament.
- Where
- India's civil nuclear sector.
- Why
- To meet growing energy demands, provide baseload power to complement renewables, attract capital for scaling up nuclear power, and potentially leverage commercial potential of nuclear deals.
- Targeted Legislation
- Amendments to Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 and Atomic Energy Act, 1962
- Proposed Changes (CLNDA)
- Easing provisions on operator's 'right of recourse' to suppliers, potentially capping liability and using a state-backed fund.
- Proposed Changes (Atomic Energy Act)
- Allowing private companies up to 49% equity in nuclear power projects and foreign equity infusion.
- Primary Driver for Collaboration
- Need for capital, not technology.
- Focus Technology
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for industrial decarbonisation and baseload power.
- Private Sector Interest in SMRs
- Reliance Industries, Tata Power, Adani Power, Hindalco Industries, JSW Energy, Jindal Steel & Power.
- Tentative SMR Sites
- 16 sites across Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh.