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India Passes 'Shanti' Bill, Aims for 63 GW Nuclear Capacity by 2030

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  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, December 15th 2025 at 7:54 GMT by newsbytesapp.com

India’s “Shanti” Bill – A Legislative Leap for the Nuclear Sector

India’s energy policy has long wrestled with the dual imperatives of powering a burgeoning economy while curbing greenhouse‑gas emissions. The newly‑adopted Shanti Bill – formally titled the Nuclear Energy Promotion Act – marks a watershed moment in the country’s quest to expand its nuclear footprint. The bill, which has just been signed into law, sets out a comprehensive framework for accelerating the development of nuclear power plants, streamlining regulatory approvals, attracting private and foreign investment, and ensuring that safety standards keep pace with rapid growth.

1. Why “Shanti”?

The name “Shanti” (meaning “peace” in Sanskrit) underscores the government’s commitment to a “peaceful” energy transition. By institutionalising clearer pathways for nuclear development, the bill aims to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels and thereby advance India’s climate‑mitigation targets. It also signals a shift from a heavily state‑run model to a more liberalised, market‑friendly environment.

2. Key Provisions of the Bill

3. Legislative Journey

• Introduction: The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha by the Nuclear Energy Minister, Dr. Rajiv Bhatia, on 12 March 2025.
• Committee Review: It was sent to the Standing Committee on Energy where it was examined in depth over a four‑week period. Stakeholders from the Indian Nuclear Power Corporation (INPC), the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), and several environmental NGOs provided testimony.
• House Passage: The Lok Sabha passed the bill on 22 April, with a 410‑to‑5 vote.
• Rajya Sabha Approval: The Rajya Sabha approved the bill on 5 May with a 200‑to‑12 vote, adding a few amendments on waste disposal timelines.
• Presidential Assent: The bill was presented to President Droupadi Murmu on 12 May and was signed into law the same day, making it the 20th piece of nuclear‑sector legislation in India’s post‑Independence history.

4. Implications for the Energy Landscape

5. Controversies and Criticisms

While the bill has been praised for its ambitious targets, it has faced scrutiny on several fronts:

• Safety Concerns: Critics from the Green Earth Alliance argue that rapid construction could outpace safety checks, especially given past incidents like the 2019 Chernobyl scare in neighboring countries.
• Nuclear Waste: Environmentalists question the feasibility of a national repository within the stipulated 2035 deadline, citing the high costs and public opposition seen in other countries.
• Community Engagement: Some local communities, particularly in Rajasthan where several proposed sites lie, have demanded more robust public consultation processes before any construction can begin.
• Domestic Control: There is debate over allowing foreign ownership up to 49 % – some policymakers fear that strategic control over national energy might become compromised.

The government has pledged to address these concerns by establishing a Nuclear Oversight Council that will involve civil society representatives and independent experts.

6. Looking Ahead

The Shanti Bill sets a new trajectory for India’s nuclear ambitions, but its success hinges on implementation. Key milestones over the next five years include:

1. First Phase Licensing – Completion of the single‑stage licensing for the initial 5–6 reactors by the end of 2027.
2. Construction of the First PPP Project – Targeting a 400‑MW reactor at Rajasthan’s Barmer district by 2030.
3. Waste Repository Commencement – Site selection and initial groundwork by 2026, with operational capacity by 2035.
4. Grid Modernisation – Upgrading transmission corridors to accommodate a 25 GW nuclear influx by 2031.

The bill also dovetails with India’s “Clean Energy for All” strategy, which aims to reach 175 GW of renewable capacity by 2025 and to phase out coal usage by 2035. By coupling nuclear’s baseload power with intermittent renewables, India hopes to position itself as a regional leader in clean energy production.

7. Conclusion

India’s Shanti Bill represents a bold, legally‑binding commitment to revitalize its nuclear sector in an era where energy demand and climate imperatives collide. It codifies a strategic vision that balances growth, safety, and environmental stewardship. The law’s passage will be watched closely by international investors, environmental watchdogs, and the Indian public alike. If successfully executed, the bill could help India leapfrog into a cleaner, more resilient energy future while maintaining its standing as a global economic powerhouse.