Revving Up India's Nuclear Ambitions: NTPC's Call for Private Sector Excitement

Despite the enactment of the Shanti Act, private sector enthusiasm for nuclear energy lags. NTPC's chairman calls for swift rule-making and more private involvement to meet India's 100 GW nuclear target by 2047. Nuclear, coal, and renewables are key to India's energy security, he states.

The landmark Shanti Act, aimed at boosting nuclear power, hasn't sparked expected enthusiasm from the private sector, observed NTPC Chairman Gurdeep Singh on Friday. Speaking at an event on India's nuclear journey, Singh highlighted that the Act handled major concerns like liability and private sector participation.

Singh hailed the Act as a 'pioneering effort,' emphasizing the urgency in framing accompanying rules. 'The Act has been enacted, now time to focus on the rules for better implementation,' he remarked. He urged dialogue on fuel availability for nuclear plants, stressing its importance for India's energy security.

India targets 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047 to secure energy needs, leveraging nuclear power alongside coal and renewables. NTPC plans to contribute 30 GW to this goal. However, Singh flagged challenges like financing, regulatory delays, and state-level hesitations.