Zero Duty to Boost Nuclear Power Costs
Govt says duty-free imports to cut electricity prices, speed up nuclear projects
- Zero customs duty on nuclear imports to continue till 2035
- Move to reduce project cost and electricity tariffs
- Push for domestic supply chain via NPCIL and MSMEs
- Focus on advanced reactors, SMRs and cancer isotope tech
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 18th March: The Centre has announced that zero customs duty on imports required for nuclear power projects will play a key role in reducing electricity costs and accelerating project execution, Union Minister Jitendra Singh informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply.
Responding to questions raised by MPs Ramesh Awasthi and Ravi Kishan, the Minister said that duty-free imports of nuclear fuel and reactor components, extended till 2035, will significantly lower project costs and improve the economic viability of nuclear power, especially projects involving foreign cooperation.
He noted that the move would also bring down the per-unit cost of electricity, making nuclear energy more competitive in India’s power mix.
On strengthening domestic capabilities, Singh said the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited has taken steps to build a robust supply chain for the ten newly approved 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) units. Measures include bulk procurement, expansion of vendor base, promotion of indigenous manufacturing, and greater participation of MSMEs through preferential bidding.
The government is also focusing on research and development through the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, with enhanced funding directed towards advanced technologies. These include new research reactors, isotope production for cancer treatment, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), hydrogen generation, accelerator technologies and advanced materials.
The Minister highlighted that these efforts are aimed at achieving greater self-reliance in the nuclear sector while supporting long-term energy security goals.
He further clarified that there is currently no proposal to integrate the PM Gati Shakti framework with logistics and construction of upcoming nuclear parks in coastal states.
