India Plans to Reduce Nuclear Exclusion Zones for Expansion
India is set to reduce the size of exclusion zones around its nuclear power plants, a move aimed at freeing up land for the expansion of reactors and attracting private investment. This plan, approved in principle by the country’s atomic energy regulator and the Department of Atomic Energy, reflects a significant shift in India’s nuclear energy strategy.
Currently, Indian nuclear reactors have exclusion zones—a minimum buffer of approximately 1 kilometer—where habitation and economic activities are prohibited to minimize radiation risks. Under the proposed plan, these zones will be significantly reduced, potentially cutting the land requirement for large reactors by half and for smaller units by nearly two-thirds.
The downsizing of exclusion zones is expected to increase capacity utilization at existing and new nuclear plant sites, allowing for two to three times more reactor capacity. For instance, a 10-reactor complex of 700 megawatts each could be accommodated within less than 700 hectares compared to the roughly 1,000 hectares typically used today. Additionally, smaller modular reactors could be installed in industrial zones for captive power use.
The plan forms part of India’s broader goal to increase its nuclear power capacity from around 8 gigawatts currently to 100 gigawatts by 2047 as it advances its clean energy agenda. The inclusion of private sector players, including major companies like Tata Power, Adani Power, and Reliance Industries, is expected to overcome existing land acquisition challenges, which have often led to lengthy delays exceeding four to five years.
Officials familiar with the matter stated that the reduction in exclusion zone sizes is justified by advancements in safer reactor technologies and aligns with international practices observed in countries such as the United States and France, where exclusion distances are not fixed.
Despite the benefits projected, the proposal may face public and political resistance. Nuclear energy in India remains sensitive given the public’s association of nuclear power with radiation risks, and the exclusion zones have traditionally provided a tangible safety assurance. Opposition lawmakers have raised concerns about potential compromises on safety standards, liability protections, and oversight as part of broader reforms that opened the nuclear sector to private and foreign participation.
The final rules detailing the new exclusion zones and related regulations are expected to be published within the next few months. The Department of Atomic Energy, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, and the Prime Minister’s Office have yet to comment officially on the matter.
Experts argue that transparency and public communication about the safety and benefits of nuclear power would help alleviate apprehensions. According to R. Srikanth, dean at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, radiation levels around current nuclear facilities are well within safe limits, often lower than natural background radiation in some parts of India.
As India pursues its ambitious expansion in nuclear power generation, balancing safety concerns with requirements for land and investment remains a critical challenge for policymakers and stakeholders alike.