Adani eyes 10 GW nuclear power plan, Pg13

Key Highlights:

• The Adani Group plans to develop 10 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power generation capacity by 2035 through its new entity, Adani Atomic Energy.
• This initiative follows the passage of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill (SHANTI Bill) in December 2025, which opened India's nuclear sector to private participation.
• India aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, significantly expanding its current operational capacity of approximately 8.8 GW.
• Other private entities like Reliance Industries, NTPC, and Tata Power are also exploring entry into the nuclear energy segment.

Detailed Insights:

• Historically, the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, restricted nuclear power development and operation primarily to central government entities like the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
• The SHANTI Bill repeals the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, establishing a unified legal framework for the nuclear sector.
• This new legislation enables private sector involvement across various nuclear activities, including power generation, reactor supply, and operation.
• The move is crucial for India to meet its rising electricity demand, achieve decarbonization goals, and enhance energy security.
• Nuclear power projects are capital-intensive and have long gestation periods, posing significant financial risks for private investors.
• The Adani Group is also partnering with Bhutan's Druk Green Power Corporation to develop 5,000 MW of hydropower projects.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill (SHANTI Bill): A landmark legislation passed in December 2025, consolidating nuclear laws and enabling private sector participation in India's nuclear energy sector.
• Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL): A public sector enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy, responsible for the design, construction, and operation of India's commercial nuclear power reactors.
• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Advanced nuclear reactors with a power generation capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit, designed for modular factory-based construction and easier deployment.
• Gigawatt (GW): A unit of power equal to one billion watts, commonly used to measure the capacity of large-scale power plants.