SHANTI Bill: How India is overhauling its nuclear power sector

India's pursuit of nuclear energy has been a cornerstone of its strategic autonomy and energy security since independence. The proposed SHANTI Bill, while its specific provisions are not detailed in the provided article, signals a significant legislative intent to 'overhaul' the nuclear power sector. This development is crucial for understanding India's future energy trajectory and its commitment to clean energy goals.

Historically, India's nuclear program, conceptualized by Dr. Homi J. Bhabha in the 1950s, was designed to be self-reliant, leveraging the country's vast thorium reserves through a three-stage program. The initial focus was on Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) using natural uranium (first stage), followed by Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) to produce more fissile material (second stage), and ultimately Thorium-based reactors (third stage). This path was necessitated by international sanctions and technology denials following India's peaceful nuclear explosion in 1974 (Pokhran-I) and later in 1998 (Pokhran-II), which underscored its determination to develop indigenous capabilities.

The turning point for India's civilian nuclear program came with the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008 and the subsequent waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). This opened avenues for international cooperation, access to advanced reactor technology, and imported uranium fuel, significantly boosting India's nuclear energy ambitions. Despite this, the growth of nuclear power has been slower than projected, primarily due to high capital costs, long gestation periods, land acquisition challenges, and the complexities surrounding the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, which held suppliers accountable for accidents. Currently, nuclear power contributes a modest share to India's total electricity generation, but the government aims to significantly increase its installed capacity to approximately 22,480 MW by 2031 from the current 6,780 MW.

An 'overhaul' through the SHANTI Bill could address several critical areas. It might aim to streamline regulatory processes, potentially amend the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, which is the primary legislation governing the sector, to facilitate faster project execution. Crucially, it could open doors for greater private sector participation, moving beyond the traditional public sector dominance of entities like the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI). This could involve private investment in auxiliary services, component manufacturing, or even direct power generation under specific frameworks, which would be a radical shift. The bill might also focus on improving the financial viability of projects, enhancing safety standards, modernizing waste management protocols, or fostering indigenous research and development, including for advanced technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

Key stakeholders in this potential overhaul include the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), which are responsible for policy, regulation, and operation, respectively. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is vital for safety oversight. Potential private sector players, both domestic and international (e.g., Rosatom of Russia, EDF of France, Westinghouse of the US), would be closely watching the provisions for investment opportunities. Civil society organizations and local communities are also significant stakeholders, particularly concerning issues of land acquisition, environmental impact, and public safety.

This legislative move holds immense significance for India. Economically, an expansion of nuclear power can drive industrial growth, create high-skill jobs, and reduce reliance on volatile fossil fuel imports, thereby bolstering energy security. Environmentally, nuclear power is a clean energy source, crucial for India to meet its ambitious climate change commitments, such as achieving 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, as outlined in its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Politically, a robust nuclear program reinforces India's image as a responsible nuclear power and strengthens its strategic autonomy. The legal framework for atomic energy falls under the Union List (Entry 6 of the Seventh Schedule of Article 246), granting the Parliament exclusive legislative competence.

The future implications are substantial. If successful, the SHANTI Bill could accelerate India's nuclear power capacity addition, contributing significantly to its energy mix and climate goals. It could transform the nuclear energy landscape by attracting substantial private investment, fostering technological innovation, and potentially positioning India as a global player in nuclear technology export, especially for SMRs. However, challenges remain: ensuring public acceptance, maintaining stringent safety standards, managing nuclear waste effectively, and navigating complex international non-proliferation regimes will be critical for the long-term success of this overhaul.