NEW DELHI, India, Dec 22

India’s Parliament has approved a major new law that opens the country’s tightly regulated civil nuclear power sector to private companies, marking a significant shift in energy policy as the nation looks to expand clean power and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

The legislation was passed by the lower house of Parliament on Wednesday and cleared by the upper house on Thursday. It now awaits formal approval from the Indian president, a step that is largely procedural. Once signed, the law will come into force.

The government says the move is aimed at speeding up nuclear power growth to meet India’s rising energy demand while supporting climate goals. Opposition parties and activists, however, argue that the law weakens safety rules and limits accountability in case of nuclear accidents.

The bill, formally titled Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India, allows private companies to take part in nuclear power generation, a field that has long been controlled by the state. Officials say the change reflects modern energy needs, new technology, and global trends in nuclear development.

India’s decision carries global importance as many countries are reconsidering nuclear power to cut carbon emissions and ensure reliable electricity. The government has shown interest in new technologies such as small modular reactors, which are seen as faster to build and easier to deploy.

Supporters of the law say it breaks decades of state monopoly and sends a clear message to investors. Karthik Ganesan, director of strategic partnerships at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, said the decision signals that India is open to private participation in nuclear energy and serious about scaling up clean power.

Junior Minister Jitendra Singh, who oversees the Department of Atomic Energy, told lawmakers the bill modernizes India’s nuclear framework while keeping safety, security, and regulatory systems strong. He said India must match global standards if it wants to play a larger role on the world stage and meet its growing power needs.

India is currently one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases, with more than 75% of its electricity still coming from fossil fuels, mainly coal. Nuclear power offers a low-carbon source of electricity, though it produces radioactive waste that must be carefully managed.

The government has pledged more than $2 billion in recent months for nuclear research and related work. It has also set an ambitious target of installing 100 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2047, which officials say could supply electricity to nearly 60 million homes each year.

Energy experts note that while renewable sources like solar and wind are expanding, they depend on weather and daylight. Nuclear power, they say, can provide steady electricity to support a cleaner energy mix. Still, some experts question whether India can meet its nuclear targets, given the sector’s small size and public concerns over safety.

Opposition parties raised objections during the parliamentary debate, calling for the bill to be sent to a review panel. The government rejected the request. Ashok Mittal, a lawmaker from the Aam Aadmi Party, said the law lacks strong protections for people living near nuclear plants and does not do enough to address long-term health risks.

Activists were more critical. G. Sundarrajan, a long-time anti-nuclear campaigner, described the legislation as dangerous and warned that it could reduce incentives for companies to invest in safety. He said the law offers limited options for citizens to seek compensation if they are harmed by radiation leaks or other nuclear-related incidents.

As India pushes ahead with its clean energy plans, the new law highlights a clear divide between the government’s drive for growth and concerns over public safety. The debate over how to balance energy needs, environmental goals, and health risks is likely to continue as private players prepare to enter the nuclear space.

 India Clears Landmark Law Allowing Private Firms Into Nuclear Power Sector, Sparking Safety Debate

India has taken a major step in its energy journey. Parliament has approved a new law that allows private companies to enter the civil nuclear power sector, a space that was earlier controlled only by the government. The bill was passed by the lower house on Wednesday and cleared by the upper house on Thursday. It now awaits the President’s approval, which is expected soon.

The government says this move will help speed up clean energy growth and meet India’s rising power needs. Nuclear energy does not release carbon emissions while producing electricity, making it important for climate goals. India currently depends heavily on coal, with over 75% of its electricity still coming from fossil fuels.

Officials say the law updates India’s nuclear framework to match global standards and new technology. It also opens the door for advanced options like small modular reactors. India aims to install 100 gigawatts of nuclear power by 2047, enough to power millions of homes each year. The government has also pledged over $2 billion in recent months for nuclear research and related work.

Supporters believe private participation will bring faster growth, investment, and innovation. Experts say it sends a strong message that India is open for business in the nuclear energy space and serious about expanding clean power.

However, opposition parties and activists have raised concerns. They argue the law weakens safety rules and reduces liability in case of accidents. Some fear it does not offer enough protection or compensation for people living near nuclear plants if health issues arise.

As many countries look at nuclear power to cut emissions and ensure steady electricity, India’s decision is being closely watched. The move marks a turning point, but the debate between energy security and public safety is far from over.