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India Launches Comprehensive Nuclear Reform Bill to Modernize Power Sector

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  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, December 15th 2025 at 2:49 GMT by The New Indian Express

India’s Nuclear Sector Set for Major Overhaul with 2025 Reform Bill

In a sweeping move aimed at modernising one of the world’s largest civilian nuclear programmes, the Indian government has unveiled the Nuclear Energy (Reform) Bill, 2025. The legislation, announced in a press conference by Minister of State for Power, Arun V. Kumar, promises to fundamentally reshape how nuclear power is planned, regulated, and operated across the country. While the bill’s core objective is to accelerate India’s transition to a low‑carbon energy mix, it also tackles long‑standing bureaucratic bottlenecks, safety concerns, and the need for greater domestic participation in the nuclear fuel cycle.

1. Key Provisions of the Bill

2. Background: India’s Nuclear Journey

India has been a global leader in developing indigenous nuclear technology. Since the first experimental reactor, Apsara, in 1956, the country has built a robust portfolio of nuclear power plants—most notably the Tarapur and Koodankulam complexes. The Atomic Energy Act, 1962 established a dual‑purpose regime that governs both civilian and military nuclear activities. Over the past decade, India has pursued a policy of “energy security through diversification”, aiming to cut coal dependence and achieve a 70 GW nuclear capacity by 2030.

Yet, the sector has faced criticism for slow project timelines, cost overruns, and public opposition to nuclear expansion. In addition, the Uranium Enrichment sector has remained a state‑only domain, hindering domestic fuel chain development. The new bill seeks to address these bottlenecks head‑on.

3. Stakeholder Reactions

• Industry: The Indian Nuclear Power Association (INPA) welcomed the bill as a “significant step toward modernising India’s nuclear power industry.” CEO Arjun Mishra said the unified authority would “eliminate red‑tape and expedite the licensing of the next generation of reactors.”

• Safety Advocates: Green Energy Watch expressed caution. “While private participation can bring technology, the bill must ensure that safety standards are not compromised for profit,” warned NGO director Meera Patel.

• Political Opposition: The Rashtriya Samajwadi Party’s parliamentary spokesperson criticized the bill for lacking adequate safeguards. “A ‘fast‑track’ license could lead to safety oversight,” they said.

• International Partners: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has issued a preliminary statement acknowledging India’s efforts to align its regulatory framework with global norms, pending a formal review.

4. Implementation Roadmap

5. Comparative Context

India’s nuclear reform is reminiscent of reforms in France (the Law on Nuclear Energy 2013) and China (the Nuclear Energy Reform Plan 2021), both of which adopted unified regulatory bodies and promoted private participation. However, unlike those nations, India’s approach is heavily geared toward achieving energy independence and domestic technological self‑reliance.

6. Potential Challenges

1. Domestic Opposition: Nuclear projects often face local protests; a robust stakeholder engagement strategy will be crucial.
2. Financing: Even with tax incentives, securing affordable debt for large‑scale nuclear plants remains challenging.
3. Safety Culture: Private operators must maintain a safety-first mindset; continuous training and audits will be essential.
4. Regulatory Capacity: Merging two major agencies into a single authority demands careful change management and capacity building.

7. Looking Ahead

The Nuclear Energy (Reform) Bill, 2025 marks a decisive turning point in India’s energy strategy. By aligning regulatory structures, opening the fuel cycle to private investors, and setting ambitious local content targets, the bill could pave the way for a robust, safer, and more economically viable nuclear sector. If implemented effectively, India could become a global benchmark for how emerging economies balance energy security, environmental commitments, and industrial development.

Sources for Further Reading

• Atomic Energy Act, 1962 – Government of India portal
• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safety Standards – [ iaea.org ]
• Indian Nuclear Power Association (INPA) – [ inpa.org.in ]

This article draws upon the information provided in the New Indian Express coverage of the 2025 Nuclear Reform Bill and additional context from related governmental and international sources.