India is making a monumental stride, shaking up its energy sector with new legislation that opens the door for private companies to invest in civil nuclear power. Parliament has given its approval, signaling a major policy shift aimed at accelerating the nation’s clean energy expansion.
The government champions this move as crucial for fast-tracking India’s transition to a greener future. With ambitious climate targets and a significant reliance on fossil fuels (over 75% of power still comes from burning coal!), nuclear energy offers a powerful, carbon-free alternative. India plans to install a staggering 100 gigawatts of nuclear power by 2047, enough to power millions of homes, and seeks to become a global leader in next-generation nuclear tech, including small modular reactors (SMRs). Supporters hail it as a “momentous milestone,” inviting capable private players into a sector long dominated by the state.
However, not everyone is cheering. Opposition parties and anti-nuclear activists are raising serious alarms. They argue that the new law might weaken crucial safety and liability safeguards. Concerns range from potential health hazards for communities near nuclear plants to a lack of adequate recourse for citizens affected by radiation leaks. Critics fear this could reduce corporate investment in safety, increasing the risk of major disasters.
This legislative change is a high-stakes gamble. If successful, it could rapidly accelerate India’s clean energy transition and cement its global leadership in nuclear technology. Yet, the nation must carefully balance innovation and energy independence with unwavering commitment to safety and public well-being.
