India Drafts Rules for Private Nuclear Power Projects With Proven Foreign Reactor Technology

India has proposed a new approval process for private nuclear power projects, including the use of reactor technology already operating in other countries. As per a Reuters news report, the draft rules were released for public consultation on Friday. 

The proposed system follows changes made to India's nuclear energy law last year. Those changes allowed private companies to build and operate nuclear projects, while the government retained control over licensing and strategic nuclear materials. 

Approval Before Formal Licence 

Companies would first be able to seek approval in principle to work with reactor suppliers, carry out preliminary development work, and acquire land. A formal licence would be required before moving ahead with the project. 

After licensing, projects would face regulatory checks at different stages. These would cover reactor design, site selection, construction, commissioning, and operation. Regulators could stop work if the required conditions were not met. 

Foreign Reactor Designs 

The draft rules would allow reactor designs that have an established operating record overseas. Developers would have to provide information on the technology's licensing and operating experience in its home market. 

Having a reactor already in operation elsewhere would not result in automatic approval in India. The project and its technology would still have to go through India's regulatory process. 

Liability And Waste Management 

Changes to the nuclear energy law also capped the liability of nuclear equipment suppliers in the event of an accident. Supplier liability had been a long-standing concern for foreign companies considering projects in India. 

Developers would have to maintain financial security for nuclear liability, decommissioning, and waste-management costs. They would also need to submit plans covering the handling of radioactive waste. 

India Targets 100 GW 

India's nuclear sector has been largely controlled by the state for decades. Foreign fuel and technology access was restricted after the country's 1974 nuclear test led to international restrictions. 

India plans to increase nuclear generation capacity 12-fold to 100 GW over the next two decades. Domestic groups including Adani Green, Tata Power and Reliance Industries have been invited to invest in nuclear power. 

Foreign companies including General Electric, Westinghouse Electric, and EDF are among the suppliers that could be relevant under the proposed framework. 

Read More: India Almost Doubles Planned Coal Mining Capacity in 2025! 

Conclusion 

The draft regulations set out the proposed process for private participation and foreign reactor technology. Projects would remain subject to approvals at several stages, with regulators retaining powers to stop work where requirements are not met. 

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