Finshots Daily Is India about to privatise atomic energy?
May 24, 2025
The podcast delves into the potential privatization of India's nuclear energy sector, exploring how draft laws could reshape this tightly regulated industry. Historical roots and current challenges are examined, shedding light on the balance between attracting private investment and ensuring safety. The discussion highlights the implications of proposed changes to the Atomic Energy Act and their impact on national sovereignty, making for a thought-provoking listen on the future of energy in India.
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India's Thorium Nuclear Vision
- India's nuclear program aims to achieve energy independence using thorium, a metal abundant in Indian soil.
- The plan involves converting thorium into uranium-233 to sustain nuclear reactions and produce energy.
Thorium Key to Energy Security
- Heavy water reactors depend on enriched uranium, which India must import and global suppliers restrict.
- India holds over 25% of the world's thorium reserves, making thorium reactors vital for energy security.
Leadership Loss Stalled Progress
- The deaths of key leaders Dr. Homi Bhabha and Lal Bahadur Shastri stalled India's nuclear progress significantly.
- Post-independence socialist policies also stalled development due to government ownership and bureaucracy.