The passage of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, marks a seismic shift in India’s energy landscape. For over six decades, nuclear power was a strictly guarded state monopoly. By repealing the Atomic Energy Act of 1962, the SHANTI Bill invites the private sector into the fold, aiming to skyrocket India’s nuclear capacity from roughly $8\text{ GW}$ to a target of $100\text{ GW}$ by 2047.
The Architecture of Reform
The bill’s primary objective is to de-bottleneck the nuclear sector. Historically, the high cost of entry and a restrictive liability regime kept private players at bay. The SHANTI Bill addresses this by allowing Indian private companies to own and operate nuclear plants, provided they maintain majority control in joint ventures. Furthermore, it sets a clear roadmap for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)—compact, factory-built units that are significantly safer and more cost-effective than traditional large-scale reactors.
The Liability Paradigm Shift
One of the most debated aspects of the bill is the overhaul of the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act. Under the new law, the "right of recourse" against suppliers has been significantly curtailed. By shifting the primary financial burden to the operator and capping it at ₹3,000 crore, the government aims to reassure global technology providers (like Westinghouse and EDF) who were previously hesitant to enter the Indian market due to unlimited legal exposure.
Regulatory Oversight and Safety
To balance this liberalization, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has been granted full statutory independence. This ensures that while private firms run the plants, the safety protocols remain under the watchful eye of an autonomous body accountable directly to Parliament. The government also retains "Strategic Control," meaning the state still manages the sensitive nuclear fuel cycle, including uranium enrichment and waste reprocessing.
The Path to Net-Zero
As India pushes toward its 2070 net-zero goals, the SHANTI Bill provides a reliable "baseload" alternative to intermittent solar and wind energy. While critics raise concerns over the "privatization of risk," proponents argue that without such bold legislative changes, India's transition to a green economy would be impossible. The SHANTI Bill isn't just a policy update; it is a declaration that India is ready to lead the global nuclear revival.
Summary of News Articles:
Recent coverage highlights that the SHANTI Bill passed the Rajya Sabha on December 18, 2025, following a heated debate. While industry leaders have hailed it as the "1991 moment" for energy, opposition parties have voiced concerns regarding the reduction of supplier liability and the potential for increased costs to the public. Major Indian firms are already reportedly scouting for international partners to begin SMR pilot projects by late 2026.