Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) :

Why in News ?  The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has issued a five-year operational licence to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) on July 3, 2025, for two indigenously developed 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat.

Relevance : UPSC Pre &  Mains

Prelims : AERB/PHWRs

Mains :   GS 2/GS 3

Significance:

The licence issuance is significant because:

1. Indigenous Milestone: These 700 MWe PHWRs are India’s first of their kind, marking a leap in domestic nuclear technology.
2. NPCIL Expansion: It supports NPCIL’s plan to build 10 more 700 MWe PHWRs, advancing India’s nuclear capacity target of 50 GW by 2047.
3. Energy and Climate Goals: The reactors bolster India’s clean energy mission, enhancing energy security and reducing carbon emissions.
4. Safety Assurance: The rigorous safety reviews reinforce confidence in India’s nuclear safety standards.

Board Composition:

The AERB comprises:

• Chairman (Full-time, Executive authority)
• Ex-officio Member (Executive Director of the Secretariat)
• Four Part-time Members (Experts from DAE and other institutions)
• Secretary (Administrative functions)

Chairman:

• Dr. Dinesh Kumar Shukla, appointed on December 31, 2022, for a 3-year term.
• Leads regulatory enforcement, safety reviews, and policy decisions.

Mandate and Functions:

AERB regulates nuclear safety under the Atomic Energy Act (1962), Environment Protection Act (1986), and Factories Act (1948). Its key responsibilities include:

• Issuing licences for nuclear and radiation facilities.
• Conducting safety reviews, inspections, and enforcement.
• Developing safety codes and emergency preparedness plans.
• Public notification of incidents under the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010.