Paper: GS – III, Subject: Science and Technology, Topic: NuclearEnergy, Issue: Issues with the nuclear laws.
Context:
India’s energy security & climate change mitigation are tied to nuclear energy. Government plans to amend Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages Act (CLNDA), 2010 and Atomic Energy Act (AEA), 1962.
Key Highlights:
Historical Background:
- CLNDA, 2010 introduced liability clauses for nuclear accidents triggered by past disasters such as Bhopal Gas Leak (1984), Gulf of Mexico oil spill, Fukushima disaster (2011).
- Debate centred on whether liability should rest with the operator or suppliers. Western suppliers became wary of compensation liability limiting foreign participation.
Past Debates:
- 2007 Nuclear Deal Debate: raised issues of AEA amendments for private participation.
- Raja Ramanna Committee (1997): examined compensation framework in case of damages.
- Domestic resistance: Opposition resistance delayed amendments to Patents Act (1999), Insurance Laws, and Land Border Agreement in past decades.
Current Issues:
- Proposal aims to amend CLNDA and AEA and remove/exempt supplier liability clause.
- Other concerns:
- Dilution of accountability of suppliers.
- Increased domestic risk.
- Violation of Convention on Supplementary Compensation.
- Foreign pressure (esp. U.S. & France).]
India’s Nuclear Power Status: Installed capacity: 24 plants = 8.8 GW (2024).Targets:22.48 GW by 2031-32.100 GW by 2047.Nuclear share in energy mix: 3% of total generation (low compared to global averages).
Role of Opposition:
- Opposition raised concerns on following issues:
- Nuclear safety & compensation framework.
- Supplier liability vs operator liability.
- Expansion of small modular reactors.
- Disposal of nuclear waste.
- It points out the need for consensus across party lines on national interest.
Way Forward:
- Balanced Legislation: Protect citizens while ensuring foreign supplier participation.
- Transparency: Wider consultation with experts, states, and civil society.
- Energy Strategy: Integrate nuclear within renewable energy goals.
- Parliamentary Consensus: Opposition should engage constructively, not obstructively.
Conclusion:
Nuclear energy in India contributes only 3% of power generation, vs 10% global average. Therefore, expanding nuclear capacity is critical for India’s net-zero target by 2070.
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/nuclear-laws-and-the-role-of-opposition/article69955578.ece
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