Parliament Question: Scaling up nuclear energy

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-642 ANSWERED ON 05/02/2026 SCALING UP NUCLEAR ENERGY 642. SHRI MEDA RAGHUNADHA REDDY Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:- (a) the steps taken to enhance the safety, efficiency and sustainability of existing and planned nuclear power plants, including investments in technology, infrastructure and workforce development; (b) whether there are challenges or constraints in scaling up nuclear energy in India and if so, the details thereof; and (c) whether the measures are being undertaken to address these challenges and, if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH) (a) The safety and performance of nuclear power plants are continuously reviewed internally by NPCIL and periodically by the regulatory authority, AERB. In addition to this operating experience both domestic and international along with evolving global standards are taken into consideration for ensuring project safety. Necessary upgrades in design, systems, practices, procedures and workforce training & licensing are then implemented in the existing plants and new designs evolved incorporating such enhanced features. This is an ongoing exercise. (b) Availability of suitable sites, difficulties in land acquisition and related R&R, obtaining statutory clearances, addressing local issues, apprehensions about nuclear safety, limited number of suppliers and large capital requirements are among the major challenges in scaling up nuclear power capacity. (c) NPCIL is working closely in coordination with state governments to address issues related to land acquisition and R&R. A structured public awareness programme is being implemented to spread awareness and address apprehensions. The SHANTI Act has been enacted to enable larger participation and encouraging investments in nuclear power sector. *****