Power crisis: Pinarayi Vijayan cautions State against opting for nuclear power projects

Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday advised caution on pursuing nuclear power projects in Keralam.

Considering nuclear power projects to meet an immediate need could entail grave implications for the State in the future, Mr. Vijayan said in the Keralam Legislative Assembly after the Opposition Left Democratic Front, moved an adjournment motion demanding discussion on power crisis.

Recent Central amendments on nuclear energy laws have removed the stringent damage liability conditions that were earlier applicable to operators, he said, in an apparent reference to the provisions in the Centre’s Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025.

Mr. Vijayan’s warning has come at a time when nuclear power plants are back in the news with the Centre opening up the sector to private players and announcing plans for the research and development of the Bharat Small Modular Reactor.

While the Keralam government has not announced any policy decisions on establishing nuclear power plants, the White Paper on Keralam’s fiscal health published by the United Democratic Front government on coming to power had urged the State to substantially increase power generation by exploring options including nuclear power.

“Significant growth demands a substantial increase in power generation capacity, 6,000 MW through solar power. 8,000 MW through pumped hydro-electric projects and even more through closed-loop reactors developed by Bhabha Atomic Research Agency (BARC) and through Small Modular Reactors,” the document had noted.