### India Takes a Bold Step: SHANTI Bill Opens Nuclear Sector to Private Investment The Indian government has introduced the SHANTI Bill, a transformative piece of legislation aimed at liberalizing the civil nuclear sector by allowing private participation. This bill seeks to repeal existing laws, including the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010, and establishes a new liability framework to attract both domestic and foreign investments. The overarching goal is to achieve a target of 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, significantly enhancing India's energy security and reducing reliance on fossil fuels [https://www.rediff.com/news/report/govt-introduces-bill-to-open-civil-nuclear-sector-to-private-players/20251215.htm][https://www.livemint.com/news/india/explained-what-is-shanti-bill-that-opens-india-s-nuclear-power-sector-to-private-players-lok-sabha-bjp-modi-government-11765784777520.html]. ### Key Provisions and Structure of the SHANTI Bill 1. **Opening the Sector**: The SHANTI Bill allows private companies to invest in and operate nuclear power plants, breaking decades of state exclusivity in the sector [https://www.livemint.com/industry/energy/govt-introduces-bill-to-open-up-nuclear-power-to-private-players-ease-liability-on-suppliers-11765807907459.html]. 2. **Liability Framework**: The bill introduces a new liability regime that limits the financial responsibility of operators in the event of a nuclear accident, capping maximum payouts and placing the government in a position to absorb excess damages [https://www.theprint.in/india/governance/more-power-less-blame-shanti-bills-pragmatic-take-on-prickly-issue-of-nuclear-liability/2805931]. 3. **Regulatory Reforms**: It establishes a robust regulatory framework to facilitate the import and export of nuclear materials and technology, thereby promoting innovation in the nuclear energy sector [https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/shanti-bill-2025-why-india-is-opening-doors-for-private-firms-to-run-nuclear-power-plants-and-why-now-13726010.html]. 4. **Environmental Goals**: The bill aligns with India's commitment to reduce pollution and transition to cleaner energy sources, aiming to integrate nuclear power with renewable energy initiatives [https://www.republicworld.com/videos/india/india-nuclear-power-private-sector-shanti-bill]. 5. **Investment Attraction**: By easing liability concerns and regulatory hurdles, the SHANTI Bill is designed to attract significant private and foreign investments into the nuclear sector, which is crucial for meeting the ambitious energy targets set for 2047 [https://www.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/shanti-bill-2025-introduced-oppn-raises-concerns-as-india-to-open-nuclear-sector-to-pvt-investment/videoshow/125979974.cms]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Target Capacity**: The SHANTI Bill aims for a nuclear power capacity of **100 GW by 2047**, a tenfold increase from current levels [https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/govt-to-table-shanti-bill-allowing-private-investment-in-nuclear-energy-sector-101765773990503.html]. - **Regulatory Changes**: The bill proposes to replace outdated laws, creating a unified legal framework that encourages private sector participation [https://www.firstpost.com/world/cabinet-approves-shanti-bill-paves-way-for-private-participation-in-indias-nuclear-sector-13959228.html]. - **Investment Potential**: The government anticipates that the new framework will attract **billions in capital** from private investors, enhancing the overall energy landscape in India [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3729002-indias-nuclear-sector-set-for-private-participation]. ### Conclusion: A New Era for India's Nuclear Energy The introduction of the SHANTI Bill marks a **significant shift** in India's approach to nuclear energy, moving towards a model that embraces private investment and innovation. The key takeaways from this legislative change include: 1. **Increased Private Participation**: The bill opens the nuclear sector to private firms, which is expected to drive efficiency and innovation. 2. **Revised Liability Framework**: By capping liabilities, the government aims to mitigate risks for private investors, making the sector more attractive. 3. **Ambitious Energy Goals**: The target of 100 GW by 2047 underscores India's commitment to expanding its nuclear capacity as part of a broader strategy to enhance energy security and reduce carbon emissions. This legislative move is poised to reshape the nuclear landscape in India, fostering a more competitive and sustainable energy future [https://www.indexbox.io/blog/india-approves-shanti-bill-to-open-nuclear-sector-for-private-investment].