Rajya Sabha greenlights landmark Nuclear Energy Reform Bill

New Delhi, Dec 18 (UNI) The Parliament on Thursday gave its nod to the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025 after it was approved in the Rajya Sabha following a lengthy debate.
The bill was earlier approved in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. This sweeping reform marks a historic transformation of India’s nuclear energy landscape.
Moved by Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh for passage, the bill repeals the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010, consolidating them into a modern legal framework designed to meet India’s expanding energy demands and climate goals.
It underscores the country’s ambition to achieve 100 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2047 as a key milestone towards its 2070 decarbonization target.
A pivotal feature of the legislation is the end of the decades-long state monopoly, allowing private sector participation from major players like Adani, Tata Group, Jindal, Reliance, Vedanta, and NTPC. These firms are already collaborating with international nuclear companies from Europe, Russia, and the United States, signaling a surge in both domestic and foreign investment under a regulated regime.
The union Cabinet had earlier approved the “Shanti Bill,” which authorizes private entities to build, own, and operate nuclear power plants, breaking exclusive control by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL).
Private investors can hold up to 49 percent equity in projects, while NPCIL retains strategic control. The bill also permits foreign participation through joint ventures with Indian firms, subject to national security clearances.
The reform promotes innovation through public-private partnerships in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and indigenous Bharat Small Reactors, backed by a committed government fund of Rs 20,000 crore for research and development. Officials aim to commission at least five indigenous SMRs by 2033 to supply reliable power to energy-intensive sectors such as steel, cement, and data centers.
A revised nuclear liability framework caps supplier liabilities, transferring greater responsibility to plant operators. This shift addresses earlier foreign investor concerns and aligns India’s liability rules with global standards.
The bill also strengthens safety and environmental safeguards, mandating impact assessments, strict waste management, and clear licensing protocols, while exempting research activities from licensing to encourage technological progress.
New institutional bodies, including the Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council and the Nuclear Damage Claims Commission, will enhance oversight, accountability, and public protection.
This landmark legislation firmly positions nuclear energy at the heart of India’s clean energy future, fostering growth, energy security, and economic development while ensuring rigorous safety and environmental standards. It marks a decisive break from Cold War-era restrictions, opening the sector to innovation and international collaboration.