Deliberations continue on proposed nuclear Bill, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• Government is considering new legislation to allow private sector operation of nuclear plants in India.
• Draft Bill is under deliberation by an intergovernmental committee and the Law Ministry.
• The aim is to install 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047 with private sector participation.
• Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act are proposed.

Detailed Insights:

• Currently, only NPCIL, BHAVINI, and ASHVINI can build and operate nuclear power plants in India.
• The proposed amendments seek to align India’s liability laws with international conventions like the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC).
• Key questions remain regarding responsibility for safe disposal of nuclear waste and re-processing of spent nuclear fuel.
• The government aims to encourage private sector participation to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy generation and meet 50% of requirements from renewable energy by 2030.
• Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs), which are 220 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), are being explored for deployment near industries as captive power plants.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Atomic Energy Act: Indian legislation regulating nuclear energy and radioactive materials.
• Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act: Indian law addressing liability in case of a nuclear accident.
• Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC): International agreement establishing a global framework for nuclear liability.