Civil nuclear cooperation talks as US nuclear industry delegation visits India on May 18–21

Senior leaders from the US nuclear industry are visiting India from May 18-21. The 20-member group is assessing new business openings. These openings follow India allowing private firms into civil nuclear work. Meetings in New Delhi and Mumbai are planned with central agencies and companies. The visit also includes talks with state leaders on project support.

Representative image

The US Executive Nuclear Industry Delegation is set to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Discussions are also planned with the Department of Nuclear Energy. The group will meet Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited officials. Private sector executives interested in India’s nuclear plans will also join sessions. The aim is to map possible areas for future cooperation.

US nuclear industry delegation and India civil nuclear sector after SHANTI Act

The delegation’s visit comes after the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India SHANTI law. Parliament enacted the SHANTI law in December last year. The SHANTI Act replaced the Atomic Energy Act of 1964. It also replaced the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage CNLD Act of 2010. Global suppliers had raised concerns over the CNLD Act’s strict liability rules.

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum USISPF described the core purpose of the trip. "The goal is to understand how American and Indian companies can further collaborate to support project development, strengthen supply chains, and build long-term commercial partnerships,\" the USISPF said. The delegation also plans to hear from states. State inputs will focus on backing nuclear projects and local manufacturing links.

US nuclear industry delegation and India nuclear capacity target of 100 GW by 2047

India is aiming to raise nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047. Current installed capacity is nearly 9 GW. The expansion plan links to a wider shift away from fossil fuels. It also supports India’s net zero carbon emissions goal by 2070. Analysts said these plans, plus private entry, widen commercial scope for US firms.

Shaswat Kumar, Fellow, Centre for Strategic and International Studies, spoke about the market outlook. \"Indias ambition to scale nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047, combined with the opening of the sector to private players, presents a major commercial opportunity for US firms,\" Kumar said. Kumar also pointed to recent regulatory steps in the US. These included 10 CFR Part 810 authorisations for Holtec, Clean Core Thorium and Flowserve.

Kumar said progress will depend on steps taken in both countries. \"Going forward, realising this potential will hinge on parallel action faster export approvals from the US and, in India, progress on reprocessing infrastructure and addressing end use verification concerns,\" Kumar told. The delegation is expected to review joint project options. These talks will involve Indian private sector partners in civil nuclear energy.

US nuclear industry delegation and India-US civil nuclear agreement sites

The India-US civil nuclear agreement was signed in 2008. After the deal, two project locations were assigned to US companies. These sites were Chhayamithi Virdi in Gujarat and Kovvada in Andhra Pradesh. The plan was to set up 1,000 MW nuclear power plants. The new delegation visit is taking place amid renewed interest in joint work.

US nuclear industry delegation and small modular reactors SMRs cooperation

India and the US are also looking at cooperation in small modular reactors SMRs. SMRs are seen as easier to deploy than large units. Plans include possible reuse of sites earlier used for coal-based power plants. The US is working to speed up SMR rollouts. It is also studying recycling and reprocessing of used nuclear fuel.

The US has not recycled or reprocessed nuclear fuel since 1970. India and the US are also discussing nuclear fusion cooperation. This is separate from work on the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor. The ITER project is being developed at Cadarache in France. The delegation’s meetings are expected to cover a range of technologies and supply chain needs.

US nuclear industry delegation and Indian private sector nuclear interest

Several Indian companies have shown interest in the civil nuclear sector. These include Tata Consulting Engineers, Adani Group and Larsen & Toubro. Public sector entities are also planning new units. National Thermal Power Corporation NTPC has formed a joint venture with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited NPCIL. The venture aims to build at least six plants at Mahi Banswara in Rajasthan and Chutka in Madhya Pradesh.

During the May 18-21 trip, the US delegation will engage both officials and industry leaders. The discussions will focus on projects, supply chains and manufacturing ties. The meetings also reflect changes since the SHANTI law was enacted. With India targeting 100 GW by 2047, the visit is positioned around practical steps for cooperation.

With inputs from PTI