India’s plan to expand nuclear power generation nearly tenfold over the next two decades faces fresh obstacles under proposed rules for foreign-designed reactors. The country aims to raise nuclear capacity to about 100 gigawatts by 2045, requiring an estimated $210 billion in investment, as New Delhi seeks lower carbon emissions and stronger energy security amid heavy reliance on coal-fired electricity.

A new atomic law last year opened India’s tightly controlled nuclear sector partially to private and foreign companies, with the aim of drawing technology, capital and expertise for faster plant construction. However, the recently published draft regulations impose additional requirements on overseas reactor designs. A foreign-designed reactor must be approved by the regulator in its country of origin and must already be operating in that country or elsewhere.

Before construction can begin in India, the design must also receive separate approval from India’s nuclear regulator. Industry participants fear the conditions could delay access to newer technologies, particularly small modular reactors, many of which remain at an early commercial stage. Tata Power, Adani Power, Reliance Industries, Rosatom, EDF and GE Hitachi have shown interest, but remain cautious pending final regulations. NPCIL is pursuing nearly 14 gigawatts of added capacity by 2032.