India may set up nuclear watchdog as private sector set to enter atomic energy space
India is considering establishing a regulatory authority to oversee the nuclear fuel supply chain and waste management, aiming to prevent misuse as the nation expands its nuclear energy capacity. Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act are underway to facilitate private sector participation while ensuring stringent oversight of fuel import, utilization, and disposal, aligning with global safety standards.
A stringent framework to secure the entire supply chain for nuclear energy is being discussed as part of changes to the Atomic Energy Act to allow entry of the private sector.
The country plans to ramp up its nuclear energy to 40 GW by 2035 from 8 GW now and is banking on public-private partnerships to set up small modular reactors to meet green energy requirements.
India aims to achieve net-zero status on carbon emissions by 2070.
"The idea is to have stringent oversight," a senior government official told ET. No enrichment facilities would be allowed at these plants and the entire supply chain covering import, utilisation and disposal of waste would be monitored by this regulator, the official said, adding that this would allow the government to retain control over nuclear fuel management . These safeguards would be in line with global best practices and were needed in view of the risks of diversion of fuel, he said.
Live Events Besides, the design of plants would have to be vetted and approved by the Atomic Energy and Regulatory Board (AERB), which will also be responsible for monitoring regulatory compliance in view of safety concerns, the official said.
A final call on the amendments will be taken shortly.
The official said the government is working expeditiously on changes to the law. FM Nirmala Sitharaman had proposed amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act in the budget.
The government subsequently set up committees with senior officials to draw up these changes.
