INTRODUCTION The Union Government has introduced the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha to overhaul India's nuclear energy laws and enable private sector participation in building and operating nuclear power plants for the first time since Independence.
Key Provisions of SHANTI Act 2025 - Repeal of Existing Laws: Replaces Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and CLND Act, 2010 with a new framework. - Private & Foreign Entry: Allows private companies, Joint Ventures, and foreign firms to build and operate nuclear plants. - Strategic State Control: Government retains control over critical areas like fuel production and waste management for security. - Statutory Regulator: Gives legal status to AERB and makes it -accountable to Parliament for better oversight. - Revised Liability Framework: Repeals CLND Act, 2010 and removes supplier liability, making operators responsible. - Capped Operator Liability: Limits liability based on plant capacity to reduce financial risk. - Atomic Disputes Tribunal: Sets up a dedicated tribunal for faster dispute resolution. - Advanced Nuclear Technology: Promotes SMRs(Small Modular Reactors) and indigenous reactors for clean energy and energy security.
Concerns Surrounding the SHANTI Act 2025
- Reduced Accountability: The removal of supplier liability may weaken accountability, as only operators are held responsible in case of nuclear accidents.
- Dilution of "Polluter Pays' Principle: Capping liability based on plant capacity rather than actual damage may reduce fairness and compromise public safety standards.
- Risk of Public Financial Burden: Private companies may gain profits, while the financial burden of accidents and long-term risks could fall on the State and citizens.
- Impact on Public Trust: In light of past industrial disasters like the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, weakening liability provisions may reduce public confidence in nuclear governance.
Need for Reforms in Nuclear Governance in India - Ambitious Capacity Targets: India plans to expand nuclear capacity from 8.8 GW to 22 GW by 2032 and 100 GW by 2047, but NPCIL alone lacks sufficient resources to achieve this.
- Large Financing Gap: Around 15 lakh crore is required for 100 GW, while Budget 2025-26 allocates only 20,000 crore, making private investment necessary.
- Project Delays: Projects like Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Units 3-6 face delays, highlighting the need for better efficiency and execution.
- Technology and Innovation Needs: Private participation can boost adoption of SMRs, advanced reactors, and global best practices.
- Weak Uranium Supply Chains: Limited domestic uranium and reliance on imports require private involvement for fuel security.
- Energy Security & Climate Goals: Expanding nuclear power supports grid stability and helps achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
Measures to Strengthen Nuclear Governance in India - Regulatory Independence: Strengthen independence of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) through transparent appointments and financial autonomy.
- Balance Safety & Investment: Regularly review liability caps to ensure investor confidence without compromising safety and the "polluter pays' principle.
- Enhance Transparency: Ensure public disclosure of safety audits, accident reports, and emergency preparedness plans to build trust.
- Centre-State Coordination: Establish clear coordination mechanisms among the Centre, States, and local bodies during nuclear emergencies.
- Waste Management & Decommissioning Framework: Create strict and clear rules for radioactive waste management and plant decommissioning.
Conclusion The SHANTI Bill 2025 marks a significant shift in India's nuclear governance by opening the sector to private participation while retaining strategic state control. While it has the potential to accelerate capacity expansion, attract investment, and support clean energy goals, concerns around safety, accountability. and public trust must be carefully addressed.
A balanced approach ensuring strong regulation, transparency, and adherence to safety principles will be essential to harness nuclear energy as a secure, sustainable pillar of India's long-term energy future.