India's SHANTI Bill: Transforming Nuclear Energy Sector with Private Participation and 100GW Vision by 2047

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Union Cabinet has approved the groundbreaking Atomic Energy Bill, 2025, known as SHANTI (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India). This legislation represents the most significant reform in India's atomic energy sector since its establishment, ending the Department of Atomic Energy's decades-long monopoly and enabling private sector participation in this historically restricted and secretive field.

India possesses comprehensive capabilities in atomic energy production.

The SHANTI Bill is scheduled for presentation in Parliament during the Winter Session, likely early next week. Upon enactment, it will unify multiple existing regulations, address regulatory gaps, and establish a cohesive legal framework to facilitate rapid nuclear energy expansion.

The significance of this legislation stems from India's ambitious target of achieving 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity by 2047—nearly eleven times the current capacity. The nation currently operates 25 reactors generating 8,880 megawatts, with 17 additional reactors under construction. The development roadmap aims to reach 22,000 MW by 2032 before scaling to the 100 GW target by 2047, essential for achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and fulfilling the Viksit Bharat vision.

As coal and gas-based thermal plants are decommissioned to combat climate change, atomic energy becomes crucial for meeting India's baseload power requirements.

These ambitious targets necessitate substantial capital investment, advanced technology, and accelerated project timelines—requirements that government funding alone cannot satisfy. By welcoming private sector participation into the nuclear ecosystem, the SHANTI Bill aims to attract investment, drive innovation, and establish nuclear energy as a cornerstone of India's clean energy strategy.

On November 27, 2025, while inaugurating Skyroot Aerospace's campus, Prime Minister Modi stated, "We are moving toward opening the nuclear sector as well. We are laying the foundation for a strong role for the private sector in this field too. This reform will give new strength to our energy security and technological leadership." India, having developed atomic weapons in 1998, is already a nuclear-armed nation.

The SHANTI Bill introduces several key changes:

Private Sector Participation: For the first time, private companies will be permitted to engage in core activities including atomic mineral exploration, fuel fabrication, equipment manufacturing, and potentially aspects of plant operations.

Modernized Legal Framework: The legislation replaces outdated provisions from the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, creating a streamlined structure for licensing, safety protocols, and compliance requirements.

Enhanced Regulation: An independent nuclear safety authority is expected to be established to ensure transparency and compliance with global standards.

Liability Reforms: Amendments to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act will clarify operator and supplier responsibilities, implement insurance-backed liability caps, and provide government backstops—critical factors for attracting private and international investment.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has been instrumental in advancing this initiative. In her recent Budget speech, she announced the "Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat" and emphasized the necessity of legislative amendments to remove growth constraints. She stated: "Development of at least 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047 is essential for our energy transition efforts. For active partnership with the private sector towards this goal, amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act will be taken up."

The Finance Minister also revealed a Rs 20,000 crore allocation for research and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), targeting the operationalization of at least five indigenously developed SMRs by 2033. These compact reactors are expected to play a significant role in industrial decarbonization and enhancing grid flexibility.

Looking forward, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) plans to contribute at least 50 percent of the 100 GW target, with private entities and imported reactors accounting for the remainder. NPCIL Chairman and Managing Director Bhuwan Chandra Pathak informed NDTV that the corporation intends to commission at least one reactor annually, indicating a steady capacity increase.

Despite these advances, challenges persist. Nuclear projects require intensive capital investment and complex engineering, demanding robust safety oversight and public engagement. Success will depend on securing fuel supplies, clarifying liability issues, and developing sufficient regulatory capacity.

The SHANTI Bill represents a game-changer for several reasons:

Energy Security: It reduces dependence on fossil fuels and stabilizes India's energy portfolio.

Climate Objectives: It positions nuclear power as a foundation of India's decarbonization strategy.

Economic Opportunities: It creates a multi-billion-dollar market for domestic and international players in engineering, manufacturing, and technology sectors.

The SHANTI Bill represents more than policy reform—it constitutes a bold investment in India's clean energy future. Parliamentary approval would usher India into a new era where private innovation and public oversight collaborate to deliver safe, reliable, and carbon-free power at scale.