India Approves SHANTI Bill to Open Nuclear Sector to Private Players
India Approves SHANTI Bill to Open Nuclear Sector to Private Players
Union Cabinet approves SHANTI Bill to invite private participation in civil nuclear energy, aiming for 100 GW by 2047 and SMR development.
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the Atomic Energy Bill, 2025, branded as SHANTI - Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India. This bold move would open the tightly controlled civil nuclear power sector to private players, a game-changing shift that ministers say will accelerate India's drive toward a larger, cleaner energy mix.
SHANTI aims to create a framework in which private entities can participate in civil nuclear energy projects, under robust safety, regulatory, and fuel-cycle controls. The government, which has long signaled openness to private investment in strategic sectors, notes this step is a continuation of the Nuclear Energy Mission and aligns with plans announced in the budget, including a focus on small modular reactors and increased research and development.
India is targeting about 100 gigawatts of atomic energy capacity by 2047, a bold long-term goal that would significantly reshape the nation's energy mix. As part of the SHANTI package, the government has earmarked support for research and development in SMRs, with an outlay of roughly ₹20,000 crore and the aim of operationalising five indigenously developed SMRs by 2033. In parallel, the government says the bill will attract private investment across related supply chains, including reactor components, fuel cycles, and related services, thereby creating jobs and boosting technological prowess.
The package also underlines safety and regulatory oversight, ensuring that private participation does not compromise standards. Regulators will continue to supervise licensing, safety norms, waste management, and decommissioning, while state-owned entities will lead important national missions. Officials argue the shift will speed up project timelines, increase efficiency, and bring innovative financing models to capital-intensive nuclear projects.
Analysts say the SHANTI move marks a turning point for India's energy policy as the country seeks to diversify its energy mix, reduce carbon emissions, and spur growth in high-tech sectors. Observers will be watching for details on how private partners will be selected, how safety and non-proliferation concerns will be addressed, and how this policy will interplay with foreign investment.
Cover image source: A.P. Cabinet approves proposals worth ₹9,500 crore; Lok Bhavan and Assembly Darbar Hall projects cleared 🔗
