<p>Tony Fountain, chief executive of the UK Nuclear Decommissioning Authority resigned from his post, and has plans to join India’s largest private sector conglomerate, Reliance Industries. This sudden development has shocked many in the nuclear establishment, especially with the nuclear industry at a critical phase with complex issues like the decommissioning of nuclear plants on the table.</p>
<p>Tony has been instrumental in reshaping the NDA & making it more delivery-focused. He is credited with the progress that the organization has made in the last few years & remains one of the prime authorities on energy related issues. His decision to leave such an important position and go for the Indian private sector brings into focus the growth potential of the energy scene in India. Reliance Industries, being the market leader in the production of oil & natural gas in India, foresees immense opportunities in the energy sector in India. RIL has not categorically made a statement about the appointment but we expect a release from them soon. The Mukesh-Ambani led company is the most valued company on Indian Stock Market shares and continues to maintain its juggernaut in the bourses.</p>
<p>Tony Fountain obviously envisages a lot of growth potential in the Indian nuclear power market, and his arrival sounds exciting, as new projects could soon find their way to the boardroom. Though Reliance does not have a formal presence in the nuclear industry in India, there had been talk of it investing in nuclear energy in June 2010. The company was believed to be in talks with US-based engineering, construction and project management firm Bechtel Corporation for a possible collaboration. With Tony coming on board, these blueprints may finally be put in place, keeping in mind the fact that the government has announced plans to allow private participation in nuclear energy. Reliance, already the leader in terms of market-cap on the Bombay Stock Exchange, will soon be able to consolidate its presence further as and when the government lifts the “public-only” policy in nuclear power plants operation.</p>