PM Modi Opens Nuclear Sector to Private Players, Pushes Next-Gen Tech

• India plans to open the nuclear energy sector to private companies, a major shift from government-only control
• The Atomic Energy Bill, 2025, aims to enable private participation, supporting the goal of scaling nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047
• PM Modi highlighted the transformative role of private players in space, citing Skyroot’s success as an example of India’s tech-driven youth making a global impact

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic announcement regarding India’s nuclear power strategy by stating that the Government of India has decided to allow private sector entities to be involved in the generation of Nuclear Power, which has traditionally been only performed by Government of India owned Companies.

PM Modi stated, “We are moving towards opening the nuclear sector as well. We are laying the foundation for a strong role for the private sector in this field too. This will create opportunities in small modular reactors, advanced reactors and nuclear innovation. This reform will give new strength to our energy security and technological leadership”.

Prime Minister Modi made this announcement during a virtual session for the commencement of operations for Skyroot’s new facility called ‘Infinity Campus’, this Facility represents a significant turning point for the Space Startup company that was founded by ex-ISRO Engineers that are based in Hyderabad, India.

The Government of India’s ambitions to rapidly build on India’s current nuclear power capacity (approximately 8.8 GW) and reach at least 100 GW of capacity by 2047 are outlined in an announcement to introduce the Atomic Energy Bill in Parliament during the Winter Session beginning on Dec 1, 2025.

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It is expected that the Atomic Energy Bill will allow for private sector participation in the Nuclear Energy Industry in India, moving away from the current framework of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, which permits only Government of India Entities (or Government of India Owned Companies) to generate Nuclear Power.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a change to India's nuclear liability law, a major part of India's modernisation and liberalisation of this sector. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech highlighted how much private players have contributed to transforming India's space industry, using Skyroot as an example of the global impact that young Indians create through technology.

“The nation is witnessing an unprecedented opportunity in the space sector today. The private sector is taking great strides in India's space sector. Skyroot's Infinity Campus is a reflection of new thinking, innovation and youth power”, PM Modi added.

The Prime Minister pointed out how limited resources originally helped India begin its Space Journey, but after decades of hard work at ISRO, the groundwork has been laid for much greater technological advances across the board.

“Our youth's innovation, risk-taking ability, and entrepreneurship are touching new heights. Today's event shows that in future, India will emerge as a leader in the global satellite launch ecosystem”, he noted.