For the first time, Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) is set to run 220 MW small nuclear power plants for private entities, who will be responsible for providing both the funding and land for the projects.
The Atomic Energy Act of 1962 (AEA), which regulates India’s nuclear energy sector, grants the central government exclusive rights to produce, develop, use, and dispose of atomic energy.
Since NPCIL, a public sector company under the Department of Atomic Energy, will manage the plants, there is no need to amend the AEA to allow for private sector involvement.
Currently, India is working to adapt its 220 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) design into Bharat Small Reactors, with ongoing research at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
Reactors generating less than 300 MW are considered small and can be located closer to their intended areas of use. This feature is especially advantageous for industries such as steel manufacturing, which require captive power and are seeking ways to decarbonise.
As reported by swarajyamag.com, currently, many private companies run their own captive power plants, and the report suggests that small reactors could eventually replace these in the future.
