National Roadmap to 100 GW Nuclear Power by 2047: Calls for Private Capital and Law Changes
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Institutions: Ministry of Power
Central Electricity Authority (CEA) published the report “Road Map for achieving the goal of 100 GW of Nuclear Capacity by 2047” detailng the necessary policy and financial strategies to expand India’s nuclear capacity more than ten-fold from the present 8.88 GW. This massive expansion, requiring an estimated ₹19.28 lakh crore in cumulative investment by 2047 , is deemed critical for achieving India’s Net-Zero by 2070 target, as nuclear power provides reliable, low-carbon base load electricity.
The roadmap identifies critical challenges and recommends legislative amendments and financial reforms:
Legal & Participation Barriers: The Atomic Energy Act, 1962, currently restricts private sector and state government participation. The report recommends amendments to allow any company to construct and operate Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) under license.
Liability Issues: The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLND Act, 2010) creates supplier apprehension over liability. Amendments are suggested to cap supplier liability in contracts (whichever is lower: contract value or operator’s liability) and reword Section 46 to eliminate civil claims under any other law for nuclear damage, thus insulating suppliers.
Financing and Cost: To arrange the ₹19.28 lakh crore capital and control tariff (currently slightly higher than ₹6.00/kWh), the report suggests:
Innovative Financing: Strengthening NPCIL’s resources through revenue securitization and encouraging Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 49%.
Cost Reduction: Achieving timely project completion (to reduce Interest During Construction - IDC) , adopting Fleet Mode Procurement , and considering a GST reduction on the Nuclear Island.
Regulatory & Supply Chain: Recommends creating a dedicated “Design and Site Support Agency” (under DAE) to standardize indigenous technologies (like PHWR) and handhold new entrants, as well as augmenting the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)‘s manpower to expedite approvals.
The roadmap provides a clear, integrated strategy to reform India’s restrictive nuclear framework, signaling a major policy shift toward greater privatization, foreign collaboration, and structural changes necessary for achieving Net-Zero and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
What is the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act, 2010? → The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act, 2010 is the law that establishes strict and no-fault liability on the nuclear plant operator (NPCIL, currently) for nuclear damage, capped at ₹1,500 crore. The Act, however, contains a “Right to Recourse” (Section 17) that allows the operator to sue the supplier, which has been cited by foreign vendors as a key roadblock preventing them from implementing civil nuclear deals in India.
What is the Central Electricity Authority (CEA)? → The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is the apex technical organization under the Ministry of Power, Government of India. Established under the erstwhile Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948, and currently governed by the Electricity Act, 2003, the CEA is responsible for the overall technical coordination and planning of the country’s electricity system. Its primary functions include formulating national power plans, advising the government on technical and economic matters related to the power sector, and ensuring a reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity supply across the nation.
Follow the full update here: Road Map for achieving the goal of 100 GW of Nuclear Capacity by 2047