Kamal Haasan seeks clarification over road map for ramping up India’s nuclear power generation

Kamal Haasan's recent queries in the Rajya Sabha, addressing India's nuclear power generation roadmap and the status of E10 petrol, spotlight two critical pillars of the nation's energy policy. These parliamentary interventions underscore the legislative branch's vital role in scrutinizing government strategies, particularly those with profound implications for India's energy security, climate goals, and economic stability.

India's energy landscape is characterized by a rapidly growing demand, driven by an expanding economy and population. This demand necessitates a diversified energy mix that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability. Historically, India has relied heavily on fossil fuels, primarily coal, for its energy needs. However, with increasing concerns about climate change and the volatility of international oil prices, there's a concerted push towards cleaner and more indigenous energy sources. This forms the background for both nuclear power expansion and biofuel promotion.

The first query by the Rajya Sabha member focused on the strategy and timeline for scaling up nuclear capacity under India's 'Nuclear Energy Mission'. Nuclear power is considered a clean energy source, offering a reliable, baseload power supply with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. India embarked on its ambitious three-stage nuclear power program in the 1950s, envisioned by Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, aiming to utilize its vast thorium reserves to achieve energy independence. The Atomic Energy Act of 1962 provides the legislative framework for the development, control, and use of atomic energy for the welfare of the people of India. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) are the primary stakeholders responsible for implementing this program. India currently operates 23 nuclear power reactors with a total installed capacity of 7,480 MW. The government has set ambitious targets, aiming to significantly increase nuclear power capacity to approximately 22,480 MW by 2031, reflecting its commitment to achieve 50% non-fossil fuel-based installed electricity capacity by 2030, as part of its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

Scaling up nuclear power involves significant challenges, including long gestation periods, high capital costs, public perception regarding safety, and securing uranium fuel supplies (despite a 2008 NSG waiver allowing international civil nuclear cooperation). The 'roadmap' sought by Kamal Haasan is crucial for ensuring transparency, accountability, and a clear path forward for this capital-intensive and strategically important sector. For India, a robust nuclear program contributes to energy security by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, provides stable power for industrial growth, and helps meet climate commitments, thereby enhancing its international standing.

The second query concerned the 'discontinuation of E10 petrol'. This question is particularly interesting because India has been actively *ramping up* its Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP), not discontinuing it. E10 petrol refers to a blend of 10% ethanol with 90% petrol. India launched the EBP in 2003 with the objective of reducing crude oil imports, increasing farmer incomes (especially sugarcane growers), and reducing vehicular emissions. Under the National Policy on Biofuels 2018 (amended in 2022), India has set an ambitious target of achieving E20 (20% ethanol blending) by 2025, originally targeted for 2030. The policy also allows for the use of surplus food grains for ethanol production during surplus periods. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, along with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), are key stakeholders in this initiative. The successful achievement of E10 across the country has been a significant milestone, and the focus is now on the transition to E20. Kamal Haasan's query might stem from a concern about the transition phase, potential issues with vehicle compatibility, or the availability of E10 during the shift to E20. This program is critical for India's energy security, as it directly reduces the import bill, and also has positive environmental implications by lowering carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions.

Both issues are governed by subjects largely falling under the Union List as per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution (Article 246), specifically 'Atomic energy and mineral resources necessary for its production' (Entry 6) and 'Mineral oil resources; petroleum and petroleum products' (Entry 53). The role of a Member of Parliament, like Kamal Haasan, in raising such questions is a fundamental aspect of parliamentary democracy, ensuring government accountability. This right is enshrined in the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, allowing MPs to seek information and hold the executive accountable for its policies and actions. This oversight is crucial for good governance and for ensuring that national policies align with public interest and long-term strategic goals.

Looking ahead, India's energy future will be shaped by how effectively it manages this transition. The expansion of nuclear power, while slow, is crucial for a stable, low-carbon baseload. The success of the EBP, particularly the move to E20, will depend on consistent feedstock availability, technological upgrades in vehicles, and careful management of environmental impacts. These debates in Parliament are essential for shaping robust, sustainable, and forward-looking energy policies that will power India's growth for decades to come.