SHANTI – a Paradigm Shift in India's Energy Policy
Author
V Aravindan
India has passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, repealing the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA) of 2010. SHANTI breaks the "nuclear glass ceiling" — the exclusive domain of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) till now — by allowing private Indian companies to build, own and operate nuclear power plants.
Key Features
Private Sector Participation: Indian-incorporated companies and joint ventures can apply for licenses to operate nuclear reactors. Liability Reform: Caps the operator's liability (ranging from ₹100 crore to ₹3,000 crore based on capacity) and removes the "right of recourse" against suppliers for equipment defects. Statutory Status for AERB: The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) will now have statutory status, making it a more independent and powerful watchdog for nuclear safety. Nuclear Tribunal: A specialized tribunal will be established to handle disputes and compensation claims, ensuring faster legal resolution. Focus on SMRs: The program emphasizes Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with a dedicated ₹20,000 crore mission to develop indigenous "Bharat SMRs" that are easier to deploy and finance than mega-reactors.
Nuclear energy contributes only about 3% of India's total electricity generation, with an installed capacity of roughly 8.8 GW.
Present Bottlenecks
Capital Intensive: Building a nuclear plant is incredibly expensive. The Liability Deadlock: International suppliers hesitant to enter the Indian market because the 2010 law held them liable for accidents even years after construction. Energy Hunger: With the rise of AI, massive data centers, and the Make in India push, India needs a 24/7 "base-load" power source that isn't coal.
Objectives: 100 GW by 2047
SHANTI's ambitious roadmap: Capacity Expansion: The primary goal is to reach 100 GW of nuclear capacity by the year 2047. Net Zero 2070: Nuclear is India's commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070. Non-Power Applications: Beyond electricity, SHANTI seeks to expand nuclear technology in healthcare (cancer care), agriculture (food irradiation), and water desalination. Strategic Autonomy: By opening up the sector, India aims to foster a domestic "nuclear industrial complex," reducing reliance on imported technology over time.
Expectations
Global Investment. The rise of "nuclearpreneurs."
Flip side — Safety and Accountability: Diluted Liability: Arguments that capping liability and shielding suppliers weakens accountability. Waste Management: While the government retains control over spent fuel, the sheer volume of waste from a 100 GW program will require a massive upgrade in long-term storage solutions.