India Moves to Integrate Nuclear Power into Clean Energy Framework

• Union government begins policy exercise to formally integrate nuclear power into India’s clean-energy framework after clearing the SHANTI (Atomic Energy) Bill.
• Nuclear power is currently not treated on par with renewable energy, missing out on benefits like Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs).
• Proposals include making nuclear power eligible for RPOs to improve demand visibility for high-upfront-cost projects.
• Government is reviewing CPCB's "Red" category classification for nuclear plants to align environmental norms with their actual low-carbon profile, without diluting safety.
• Nuclear power is crucial for India's 2070 net-zero target, providing stable, continuous, carbon-free electricity to complement intermittent renewables.

Why It Matters: India aims to formally integrate nuclear power into its clean energy framework, aligning regulations and market mechanisms.