Why is this News?
India is planning a big change by letting companies from other countries invest up to 49% in its nuclear power plants. This is a major step because nuclear energy has always been a very protected area in India.
The goal is to produce more clean energy, move away from using coal, and meet promises to cut carbon emissions. The government wants to make these changes before the Parliament’s Monsoon Session in July 2025.
Background
- Since 2023, India has been thinking about changing rules for nuclear energy.
- Right now, nuclear plants make only about 2% of the country’s electricity.
- Even though India signed a nuclear deal with the US in 2008, foreign companies stayed away because they were worried about the risks if accidents happened.
- Now, India needs more steady sources of clean energy, because solar and wind energy alone can’t supply power at night.
What Changes are Planned?
- Foreign companies can own up to 49% of nuclear projects, but only after getting special approval.
- India will change two important laws to make this happen:
- One law about who is responsible if there is an accident.
- Another law that controls how nuclear energy is used.
What is the Government’s Plan?
- Proposals will soon be sent to the Union Cabinet for approval.
- The new rules should be discussed and passed in the July 2025 Parliament session.
What India Hopes to Achieve
- Grow nuclear energy from about 8 gigawatts to 100 gigawatts by 2047.
- This will help power homes and businesses without harming the environment.
Who is Interested?
- Big foreign companies like Westinghouse, GE-Hitachi, EDF (France), and Rosatom (Russia) want to take part.
- Indian companies like Reliance, Tata, Adani, and Vedanta are also planning to invest about $26 billion in this area.
Other Points to Note
- Allowing foreign investment could lead to talks with the US about lowering the price of nuclear energy.
- Earlier, foreign companies were afraid of being blamed for any accidents. The new changes will try to fix that problem.
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