SHANTI Bill 2025: Landmark Nuclear Sector Reforms Debated in Lok Sabha

Syllabus: Nuclear Energy and Policy

Department of Atomic Energy

Why in news?

The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill 2025 modernizes India's nuclear framework, giving statutory status to AERB and enabling private sector participation while retaining safety safeguards.

⚛️Static Concepts

Three-Stage Nuclear ProgrammeCivil Liability for Nuclear Damage ActNPCIL

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Prelims-Oriented Points

Full Form: Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025
Gives statutory status to Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) - previously functioned through executive order
Target: 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 (currently ~8.78 GW)
Small Modular Reactors: BSMR-200 (200 MWe) and SMR-55 (55 MWe) being developed by BARC
Operator liability rationalized through graded caps linked to reactor size

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Examiner's Trap: The Bill does NOT remove supplier liability completely - negligence and penal provisions remain enforceable. Private entities will NOT control fissile materials.

Quick Data Points

Current Nuclear Capacity: 8780 MW

Target by 2047: 100 GW

Nuclear Share 2024-25: 3.1%

DAE Budget Increase: 170% over past decade

Mains Value Addition

GS-3: Energy Security, Clean Energy Transition, and Legislative Reforms

Energy Security: Nuclear provides 24/7 base-load power essential for AI, data centers, and high-tech industries.
Net Zero: Nuclear energy lifecycle emissions comparable to renewables - critical for 2070 Net Zero target.
Private Participation: Enables responsible joint ventures to bridge resource constraints and shorten gestation periods.

Source

Press Information Bureau (PIB)

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