Mumbai: Distinguished Scientist A.K. Balasubrahmanian has taken over charge as Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) on January 1, 2026. He succeeds Dr. D.K. Shukla, the outgoing Chairman of the Board.
A.K. Balasubrahmanian, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)
Prior to assuming this responsibility, Balasubrahmanian served as Chairman of the Project Design Safety Committee for Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR)-based Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) and as a Member of the Safety Review Committee for Operating Plants of AERB.
A mechanical engineer with specialised training in nuclear engineering, Balasubrahmanian is a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (FNAE). He brings with him nearly four decades of rich experience in the design, development, safety assessment, construction and commissioning of nuclear power plants. He has played a key role in evolving ageing management strategies for PHWRs and has made significant contributions to the design and development of several first-of-its-kind systems featuring innovative design and enhanced safety attributes. His efforts in indigenisation of PHWR technology have earned him recognition as an all-round expert in reactor technology. In addition to PHWRs, he possesses extensive knowledge of other reactor technologies as well.
Balasubrahmanian has earlier served as Director (Technical) on the Board of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and has represented India at numerous international conferences and technical forums on nuclear reactor technology and safety.
The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board was constituted on November 15, 1983, by the President of India under the powers conferred by the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, to carry out regulatory and safety functions under the Act.
The mission of AERB is to ensure that the use of ionising radiation and nuclear energy in India does not pose undue risk to the health of people and the environment.
