India’s push to reform its civil nuclear industry has begun attracting early interest from major energy players. The Adani Group has said it is ready to explore nuclear power projects if the central government introduces a clear and workable public private partnership model.
Adani Group Chief Financial Officer Jugeshinder Singh stated that the company is closely watching policy developments. He said, “If the government can find out a public private partnership model, then we would be of course very much interested.” The remark comes just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government is preparing to allow private participation in the nuclear energy space, which has traditionally been tightly controlled.
A new phase for nuclear development
India currently operates 23 reactors, all run by the state owned Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited. The total installed capacity stands at around 8.8 gigawatt, forming a small but essential part of the country’s clean energy mix. While nuclear power contributes a modest share, it is one of the few dependable and low carbon sources of base load electricity.
New Delhi has set ambitious targets for expansion. The aim is to reach roughly 22 gigawatt by 2032 and eventually move toward 100 gigawatt by the year 2047. Officials have repeatedly stated that these goals cannot be met through public funding alone, making private investment a necessary piece of the long term plan.
Policy changes on the way
To enable private companies to enter the sector, the government is preparing wide ranging reforms. These include updates to the laws that govern nuclear technology, changes to licensing rules, fresh clarity on operator responsibility and liability, and new financing frameworks. Discussions are also underway regarding a potential Atomic Energy Bill that would modernise the current legal structure.
The government is also expected to provide financial and research support to encourage private involvement in advanced technologies such as small modular reactors. These reactors are viewed as a future option for faster deployment, reduced land use and improved safety.
Why companies like Adani matter
The Adani Group already has a strong presence in thermal power, renewable energy, transmission networks, ports and industrial infrastructure. A move into nuclear energy would allow the company to strengthen its position in the clean energy transition and diversify its long term power portfolio.
For the government, the participation of experienced private groups could speed up construction timelines, reduce financial pressure on the public sector and expand access to modern reactor technology. For private companies, nuclear power offers steady long term supply that complements the variable nature of solar and wind energy.
Challenges ahead
Despite rising interest, several hurdles remain. The regulatory environment must be rewritten to clearly outline the role of private players. Liability and insurance concerns will need comprehensive solutions. Approval mechanisms for reactors, fuel supply arrangements and safety compliance systems must also be completely transparent. In addition, any new public private partnership model will have to be financially viable for investors while ensuring cost effective electricity for consumers.
What to expect next
The central government is expected to introduce detailed policy guidelines in the coming months. These will define the conditions under which private companies can participate in nuclear energy projects, including revenue structures, risk sharing, land and safety protocols and long term supply arrangements.
If the new framework succeeds, the entry of large infrastructure groups like Adani could transform India’s nuclear journey and help the country achieve its clean energy goals much faster.
