Context:
- The SHANTI Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha to enable private sector participation in the generation and operation of nuclear power plants.
- The Bill seeks to replace the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act, 2010.
- It aims to significantly expand India’s nuclear energy capacity in line with Viksit Bharat @2047 and Net-Zero 2070 commitments.
Key Highlights:
Government Initiative / Policy Details:
- Ends the monopoly of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) in operating nuclear plants.
- Allows private entities to build, own, and operate nuclear power facilities under a regulated framework.
- Confers statutory status on the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), strengthening nuclear safety governance.
Capacity Expansion & Targets:
- Installed nuclear capacity to increase from 8.8 GW (current) to 100 GW by 2047.
- Aligns with India’s clean energy transition and long-term baseload power requirements.
Liability & Regulatory Changes:
- Caps the maximum penalty on operators at ₹1 crore, even in cases of a “severe breach”.
- Restricts the circumstances under which plant operators can seek compensation from equipment suppliers, modifying the earlier supplier liability regime.
- Brings India’s nuclear liability framework closer to global liability conventions.
Technology & Innovation Push:
- A ₹20,000 crore mission announced in the Union Budget for developing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
- SMRs seen as scalable, safer, and suitable for private investment.
Stakeholders Involved:
- Union Government
- Private power producers
- NPCIL
- Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)
- Equipment suppliers and technology partners
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue: Limited nuclear capacity growth due to state monopoly and liability concerns.
- Causes:
- High capital costs
- Restrictive liability regime under CLND Act, 2010
- Slow pace of nuclear expansion
- Government Initiatives:
- SHANTI Bill, 2025
- SMR Mission (₹20,000 crore)
- Benefits:
- Increased clean baseload power
- Improved grid stability
- Reduced dependence on fossil fuels
- Challenges:
- Nuclear safety risks
- Concerns over dilution of liability
- Public acceptance and environmental concerns
- Impact:
- Faster nuclear capacity addition
- Greater private investment in strategic energy sector
Relevant Mains Points:
- Facts & Provisions:
- Repeals Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and CLND Act, 2010
- Statutory backing to AERB
- Liability cap for operators
- Conceptual & Static Linkages:
- Net-Zero 2070 strategy
- Clean energy transition
- Public–Private Partnership (PPP) in strategic sectors
- Keywords:
- Energy Security
- Nuclear Safety
- Baseload Power
- Climate Commitments
- Way Forward:
- Strengthen independent regulatory oversight of AERB
- Ensure robust safety standards despite private entry
- Transparent public communication on nuclear risks
- Balance investor confidence with environmental and public safety safeguards
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS II – Polity: Regulation of strategic sectors, statutory regulators
- GS III – Economy: Infrastructure, energy security, private investment
- GS III – Science & Technology: Nuclear technology, SMRs, clean energy transition