Investors seek independent advisory body for nuclear power

New Delhi: India's decision to open nuclear power generation has prompted calls from prospective investors for an independent body for techno-commercial support regarding aspects such as design, engineering, reactor technology, site selection, operational and maintenance strategies, and policy related support to help new entrants navigate the tightly regulated sector.

"Post the Shanti Bill, it would be helpful to establish an independent body, agency, or entity under the ministry or department of science and technology to guide new entrants from the Indian private sector who will require expert advice and technical support," Amit Sharma, MD & CEO of Tata Consulting Engineers, said.

Even for indigenous pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWR), the demand is expected to spike when more players foray into the segment, said a panel on India's 100 GW nuclear energy roadmap set up in February 2025.

This is because indigenous nuclear power reactors have so far emerged as the most attractive option for upcoming utility-scale nuclear capacities because of the already settled supply chain and established competitive tariffs, according to two industry officials.

State-owned Nuclear Power Corporation of India's own expansion pipeline and its aim of 54 GW capacity by 2047 may limit its ability to mentor every new entrant and may not be able to simultaneously scale up its fleet and handhold multiple other companies looking to deploy PHWRs, the panel said in its October report. The panel quoted above had suggested setting up a dedicated and independent entity to provide technical support to other companies for PHWR technology and other indigenous technologies when they can be commercially deployed.

A top industry executive, who did not wish to be identified, said such an agency can be established for all technologies in the nuclear energy sector and not just PHWRs.