India Introduces SHANTI Bill for Nuclear Energy

Legislative Update: SHANTI Bill, 2025

Overview

• The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025 has been introduced in the Lok Sabha.
• Aims to replace the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010.
• Targets to achieve 100 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2047.

Key Provisions

• Promotes private participation in the nuclear power sector.
• Allows public and private companies to establish nuclear power plants, and engage in transportation, storage, and import/export of nuclear fuel and related tech.
• Mandatory safety authorisation by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board is required for handling radioactive substances and radiation-generating equipment.

Liability Framework

• Removes previous ‘right of recourse’ provision, alleviating jitters among foreign suppliers about long-term liability risks.
• Establishes graded liability caps for operators based on reactor size:
  • Above 3,600 MWe: ₹3,000 crore
  • 1,500 MWe to 3,600 MWe: ₹1,500 crore
  • 750 MWe to 1,500 MWe: ₹750 crore
  • 150 MWe to 750 MWe: ₹300 crore
  • Up to 150 MWe: ₹100 crore

Institutional Arrangements

• Creation of:
  • Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council
  • Claims Commissioners
  • Nuclear Damage Claims Commission for severe incidents, with the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity as the appellate authority.
• The government can establish a Nuclear Liability Fund for compensating nuclear incidents.

Central Control Retained

• Critical activities such as:
  • Enrichment and isotopic separation of radioactive substances.
  • Management and reprocessing of spent fuel.
  • Heavy water production and upgradation.

Historical Context

• The Atomic Energy Act, 1962 was enacted after repealing the Atomic Energy Act, 1948.
• Since 1962, the Act has undergone four amendments, the latest in 2015, which had restricted the sector primarily to the Central Government.
• The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 was established to ensure civil liability and prompt victim compensation in nuclear events.

Importance of the Bill

• Addresses the need for a stable and reliable power supply essential for advancing technology sectors like Artificial Intelligence, quantum technologies, and semiconductor fabrication.
• Facilitates expanded nuclear energy deployment contributing to India's clean energy goals.

Conclusion

The SHANTI Bill positions India for a more diversified and resilient nuclear energy future, encouraging both public and private investments while ensuring safety and liability measures are in place. It reflects a significant shift from a strictly government-controlled nuclear sector towards inclusive growth in energy production.