Dispute Between DAE and Power Ministry Over Nuclear Project Oversight in India
DAE, Power Ministry at odds over civil nuclear projects’ supervision
The Indian Express
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India's civil nuclear power sector faces a jurisdictional dispute between the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Ministry of Power regarding oversight of new projects. The recently passed SHANTI Act allows private participation, raising concerns over DAE's control and potential conflicts of interest.
- 01The SHANTI Act facilitates private participation in India's civil nuclear sector.
- 02There is a debate over whether the DAE or the Ministry of Power should oversee new nuclear projects.
- 03Concerns exist about conflicts of interest due to DAE's control over the nuclear supply chain.
- 04The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is expected to play a larger regulatory role.
- 05India aims for 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047, with significant contributions from both public and private sectors.
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India is expanding its civil nuclear power sector through the recently passed SHANTI Act, which allows private participation. This has sparked a debate between the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Ministry of Power regarding who should oversee new projects. Currently, the DAE has overall control, but there are calls to allow the Ministry of Power to supervise private nuclear projects to avoid conflicts of interest. The DAE currently controls everything from research to fuel supply, raising concerns about impartiality. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is set to gain more authority following the SHANTI Act, which aims to clarify regulatory responsibilities. India plans to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047, with a significant portion expected to be developed by private players and public sector enterprises. As of now, India's installed nuclear capacity stands at 8.7 GWe, representing only 1.65% of total installed capacity, with several projects in various stages of construction and planning.
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The jurisdictional dispute could affect the efficiency and regulatory oversight of nuclear power projects, potentially impacting energy availability and safety standards.
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