Nuclear Fuel Supply Security is essential for India’s plan to achieve 100 GWe of nuclear power capacity by 2047. Every nuclear power plant needs a reliable supply of fuel throughout its operating life. Therefore, fuel security is important for both plant operators and investors.
At the same time, PHWR reactors need a steady supply of heavy water. As a result, long-term fuel and heavy water availability has become a key requirement for the growth of India’s nuclear sector.
Ensure Reliable Fuel and Heavy Water Supply
Nuclear power plants operate for many decades. Therefore, fuel must be available for the entire life of the project. To address this challenge, stakeholders recommend long-term fuel supply agreements supported by the Government of India. In addition, clear rules for fuel procurement, pricing, and supply are needed. This will give investors greater confidence and improve project bankability.
Similarly, heavy water is critical for PHWR reactors. Therefore, developers need assurance that adequate supplies will be available when required. Moreover, transparent pricing and allocation systems can reduce uncertainty and support future investments.
India should also expand fuel fabrication capacity and strengthen the supply chain. At the same time, strategic reserves of uranium and heavy water can improve supply security. As a result, the country can strengthen its long-term energy security and reduce future risks.
Create a Clear Fuel Cycle and Waste Management Framework
Fuel supply is only one part of the nuclear fuel cycle. In addition, safe transport, material accounting, safeguards, and waste management are equally important. Therefore, stakeholders recommend clear guidelines for fuel ownership, transport, storage, and regulatory responsibilities. This will help project developers understand their obligations. Furthermore, a transparent framework can simplify compliance and improve operational efficiency.
Spent fuel management also requires greater policy clarity. For this reason, stakeholders have called for a national policy that clearly defines responsibilities for storage, transport, reprocessing, and disposal. Such a policy can support safe and efficient plant operations.
At the same time, India should continue to strengthen its reprocessing capabilities and expand backend fuel-cycle infrastructure. In addition, greater investment in advanced fuel-cycle technologies can improve resource utilisation. More research can also help reduce waste and support long-term sustainability.
| Area | Key Concern | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Fuel Supply | Uncertainty about fuel availability throughout the life of nuclear power plants. Limited fuel procurement and fabrication options for private operators. | Provide Government-backed long-term fuel supply assurance. Establish clear rules for natural and enriched uranium procurement. Promote fuel fabrication capacity expansion and create strategic fuel reserves. |
| Heavy Water Availability | Concerns about long-term availability of heavy water for PHWR projects. | Ensure long-term heavy water supply through dedicated agreements. Establish transparent allocation, pricing, and supply mechanisms. Provide visibility on future production and distribution plans. |
| Fuel Security and Safeguards | Uncertainty regarding fuel ownership, transport, custody, and safeguards obligations. | Define a clear framework for fuel custody, transport security, material accounting, and regulatory oversight. |
| Spent Fuel and Waste Management | Lack of clarity on spent fuel ownership, storage, transport, and disposal responsibilities. | Develop a National Spent Fuel Management Policy. Establish interim storage and backend fuel-cycle facilities. Define operator responsibilities and strengthen reprocessing capabilities. |
| Fuel-Cycle Service Agreements | Dependence on Government-controlled fuel-cycle services creates commercial and operational risks. | Introduce long-term fuel-cycle service contracts, including fuel supply, heavy water supply, and spent fuel management agreements. Provide Government assurance on fuel-cycle capacity. |
| Spent Fuel Policy Clarity | Private operators need certainty regarding reprocessing rights, storage, and spent fuel ownership. | Establish clear spent fuel transfer, storage, and reprocessing policies. Provide access to designated DAE facilities under transparent terms and service fees. |
| Fuel-Cycle Access and Strategic Reserves | Risk of limited access to indigenous fuel as the nuclear fleet expands. | Create an annual uranium allocation framework. Expand fuel-cycle infrastructure and maintain a strategic uranium reserve equivalent to at least five years of fleet demand. |
| International Cooperation and Safeguards | Private operators cannot independently manage international safeguards and cooperation arrangements. | Designate DAE as the single interface with the IAEA. Extend existing international fuel supply and cooperation agreements to eligible private operators. |
Together, these measures can build a secure and reliable nuclear fuel ecosystem for India. They can reduce supply risks, improve investor confidence, and support the safe operation of nuclear power plants throughout their lifetime.
A clear framework for fuel supply, heavy water availability, safeguards, and spent fuel management will create greater certainty for project developers and operators. As a result, India can attract more investment, encourage private sector participation, and strengthen its energy security.
Prepared from the outcomes of INEF 2026, these recommendations highlight the actions needed to accelerate India’s nuclear energy programme and achieve Mission 100 GWe.
