Enthused by the US Senate approving the civilian nuclear pact with India today, Indian industry wants the government to allow private sector participation in nuclear energy generation in the country.
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) has urged the government to amend the Atomic Energy Act to allow private sector participation in nuclear energy generation.
“The Indian private sector has already acquired capabilities for participating in nuclear power projects,” said a Ficci statement here today.
Calling it an open opportunity for Indian companies like NTPC, Reliance Energy, Tata Power, L&T and BHEL, Ficci said these companies could now look forward to working as partners in collaboration with international companies such as GE, Westinghouse, Areva, Atomstroy and EDF in the field of nuclear energy generation.
Another industry body, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), has called the nuclear deal an opportunity for other nations to partner India. The process of transfer of technology, components and spare parts, provision of consulting and technical services, will give a boost to employment not just in India, but also in partner nations, said Chandrajit Banerjee, director general. “Access to technology will enable India to take quantum jumps in research and development,” he added.
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India said the deal would attract investments worth Rs 2,00,000 crore over the next 15 years.