Private sector participation in nuclear energy: No compromise on safety aspects, says AERB Chairperson

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM A.K. Balasubrahmanian, Chairperson, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), has sought to allay concerns regarding the entry of private players into the country’s sensitive nuclear energy sector, asserting that there will be no compromise on safety aspects. The sector, he said, is being opened up at the right time, given the emerging power requirement of the country.

As a regulator, the AERB will provide an “enabling environment” for private players, but at the same time, the board will not dilute the regulatory and safety requirements, Mr. Balasubrahmanian told The Hindu on the sidelines of a two-day symposium on the emerging frontiers in nuclear science and technology organised here this week by the Atomic Energy Retirees’ Association. “We are assuring private entities interested in the sector that the AERB, as regulator, is an enabling organisation.

We will help them to understand the requirements, but they have to comply with them. There is no compromise on safety. The public at large need not be concerned that the entry of the private sector will be a problem.