This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the SHANTI Bill, 2025, and India’s nuclear energy trajectory, structured specifically for UPSC Civil Services Examination (General Studies Paper III: Infrastructure, Energy, and Science & Technology).
India’s Nuclear Renaissance: The SHANTI Bill and the Path to 100 GW
Recent legislative developments, specifically the passage of The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, mark a paradigm shift in India’s energy policy. As India aims for "Developed Nation" status, nuclear energy is emerging as the indispensable "baseload" partner to renewables.
1. The Energy-Development Nexus
The core philosophy behind India's nuclear push is the direct correlation between Human Development Index (HDI) and per capita Final Energy Consumption (FEC).
* The Goal: To reach an HDI above 0.9, India needs to scale its energy generation to approximately 24,000 Terra-Watt-Hours (TWh) per annum over the next four to five decades.
* The Current Gap: In 2023-24, generation stood at roughly 1,950 TWh. Reaching the target requires a sustained Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of nearly 4.8%.
2. Why Nuclear? The Limitations of Alternatives
While solar and wind are critical, the article highlights two structural complexities that necessitate nuclear power:
* Land & Potential Constraints: Hydro and wind potential in India are limited. Being a densely populated country, diverting massive tracts of land for solar PV has social and economic opportunity costs.
* Intermittency vs. Baseload: Solar and wind are variable. To ensure a stable grid, India needs baseload generation—power that doesn't depend on the time of day or weather. Nuclear plants provide this steady supply more reliably than expensive battery storage systems.
3. The SHANTI Bill, 2025: Key Provisions
The SHANTI Bill serves as an overarching legislative framework, consolidating and modernizing previous acts (Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010).
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Goal | To facilitate the target of 100 GW of nuclear installed capacity by mid-century. |
| Regulatory Framework | Integrates the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) under the new Act's jurisdiction. |
| Safety & Liability | Clarifies that the prime responsibility for safety, security, and safeguards lies with the licensee of the facility. |
| Strategic Intent | Streamlines the process for indigenous technology deployment and international cooperation. |
4. India’s Indigenous Strength and Self-Reliance
India has achieved a high degree of technological sovereignty in the nuclear fuel cycle:
* PHWR Mastery: The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has mastered the Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology, with 700 MW units now operational and more under construction.
* Closed Fuel Cycle: Through the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), India has developed the capability to reprocess spent fuel, recovering valuable materials and managing waste effectively.
* Supply Chain: India now manufactures almost all equipment needed for PHWRs internally, reducing dependence on volatile global markets, despite needing to import uranium.
5. Conclusion: A Bold Step for "Viksit Bharat"
The transition to a decarbonized economy requires more than just "green" energy; it requires "reliable" green energy. By setting an ambitious 100 GW target and providing a robust legal framework through the SHANTI Bill, India is positioning nuclear energy as the bedrock of its industrial and technological future.
Mains Practice Question
"The SHANTI Bill, 2025, represents a strategic pivot in India's energy security architecture. Discuss the role of nuclear energy in achieving India's decarbonization targets while maintaining high economic growth."
Source The hindu