Team siliconindia

• India plans to open the nuclear energy sector to private players
• Government targets 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047
• New Atomic Energy Bill to enable next-gen reactor innovation

India is preparing for a major shift in its nuclear energy policy, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing plans to allow private companies into the nuclear sector for the first time. The move aims to boost clean energy capacity, strengthen energy security, and accelerate technological innovation.

Speaking via video conference while inaugurating Skyroot’s new Infinity Campus, PM Modi said the government is “moving towards opening the nuclear sector” and creating space for private participation in advanced reactors, small modular reactors (SMRs), and nuclear technology innovation. He added that this transition will support India’s long-term energy leadership and help meet growing power demands.

The Centre has set an ambitious goal of expanding India’s nuclear power capacity from 8.8 GW today to 100 GW by 2047. To support this, the government will introduce the Atomic Energy Bill, 2025 during the Winter Session of Parliament. The proposed law is expected to reform the strict framework that currently grants exclusive nuclear generation rights to the central government and its public-sector entities.

This development follows earlier signals of reform. In the Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced plans to amend the nuclear liability law, a long-standing barrier for private sector involvement.

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PM Modi also highlighted the transformation seen in India’s space sector after it opened to private companies. He praised Skyroot for its rapid progress and said India’s youth-led innovation is shaping the future of high-tech industries. He noted that private participation has already helped India emerge as a strong player in the global satellite launch market.

With this policy shift, the government hopes that the nuclear sector will follow a similar trajectory of innovation, efficiency, and growth.