We believe it is necessary to extract the opportunities available within the existing act’s framework while amending it on a parallel level for increased private participation,” Dr Mitra said.
Dr SK Jain, CMD, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) & chairman of the FICCI working group on civil nuclear energy added that India is ready to play an important role as the world enters the era of nuclear renaissance.
“It is essential to seriously look at the nuclear sector as a new avenue for meeting the country’s growing energy requirements particularly when the indigenous nuclear capability is on a sound footing,” Dr Jain said. He also cautioned that given the peculiar nature of this sector, it has no exit route unlike other power sectors. “Most importantly, safety is the overriding priority in this business,” he stated.
The report also emphasises on gradual development of indigenous core competencies in this sector alongside significant technological inputs from foreign players. “While we have suggested opening up of FDI within the policy framework of the Department of the Industrial Policy & Promotion, we strongly believe that the supply chain – a key issue in this regard – will have to be localised,” said Dr Jain.
