Nuclear laws and the role of Opposition , Pg7

Key Highlights:

• The government plans to amend the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages Act (CLNDA), 2010, and the Atomic Energy Act (AEA), 1962, during the monsoon session of Parliament.
• The amendments aim to address supplier liability issues and permit private sector participation in nuclear energy.
• The India-U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement and the CLNDA previously faced opposition, particularly regarding compensation for nuclear accidents.
• India's current nuclear power contribution is slightly over 3% of total power generation, with an installed capacity of 8.8 GW from 24 plants.

Detailed Insights:

• The CLNDA enactment faced opposition due to concerns about supplier liability and compensation amounts, leading to a clause that deterred Western equipment suppliers.
• The proposed amendments seek to align with the Convention on Supplementary Compensation, potentially diluting supplier accountability and raising domestic risks.
• The government aims to increase nuclear power capacity to 22.48 GW by 2031-32 and 100 GW by 2047, necessitating policy changes and private sector involvement.
• The debate includes considerations for small modular reactors, nuclear waste disposal, and the overall role of nuclear energy in India's energy mix.
• Opposition parties have historically shifted stances on key issues like the Patents Act, insurance law, and the Land Border Agreement with Bangladesh, highlighting the potential for consensus.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages Act (CLNDA), 2010: Law determining liability and compensation in case of nuclear accidents.
• Atomic Energy Act (AEA), 1962: Legislation governing the development, control, and use of atomic energy in India.
• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Nuclear reactors that are smaller in size and capacity than conventional reactors, offering flexibility and scalability.