US DOE Grants Approval for Holtec to Build Nuclear Reactors in India

The US Department of Energy (DoE) granted approval to Holtec International to build nuclear reactors in India. The DoE authorized this approval under a regulation known as '10CFR810.' This rule is a component of the US Atomic Energy Act established in 1954. To remember, an agreement was established between India and the United States almost 20 years ago, referred to as the Civil Nuclear Agreement. The agreement will facilitate the construction of nuclear reactors in India.

As per a report from The Indian Express, after this approval, Holtec International is allowed to share its technology with three companies in India. The three firms are Holtec Asia, Tata Consulting Engineers Ltd (TCEL), and L&T.

The three firms that Holtec International is collaborating with on its technology focus on constructing small modular reactors (SMRs). Significantly, the American firm Holtec International is headed by an Indian-American individual named Kris P. Singh. At the same time, Holtec Asia has been functioning in Pune since 2010. The firm additionally operates a factory in Gujarat.

As per the reports, the Holtec Company had previously notified the Modi government that they intended to supply this technology to three additional government firms. The organizations involved are Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), Thermal Utility NTPC Ltd, and Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). However, the Centre failed to supply the necessary documents for these firms. Consequently, they have still not been granted approval.