Govt draws up ₹19.3L-cr plan for nuclear power

ELECTRICITY BODY SUGGESTS 49% FDI, LIABILITY CAP FOR SUPPLIERS

- ARUNIMA BHARADWAJ

THE CENTRAL ELECTRICITY Authority (CEA) has drawn up a plan to raise India’s nuclear power capacity to 100 gigawatts (GW) and envisaged investments of ~19.28 lakh crore for this. It also recommended allowing foreign direct investment (FDI) up to 49% in the sector to enable technology providers and equipment suppliers for India’s nuclear goals.

The move follows a civil nuclear deal between India and the US that made India a virtual member of the global nuclear club.

The Budget FY26 announced a plan to set up a Nuclear Energy Mission for research and development of small modular reactors (SMRs) with an outlay of €20,000 crore to be spent over the next few years. The Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, are going to be amended to facilitate the entry of private companies in nuclear power generation.