Energetica India Magazine

On the employment front, nuclear expansion could generate tens of thousands of high-skilled jobs, while universities and research centres benefit from rising demand in nuclear engi - neering, materials science, and radiation medicine. Economi- cally, nuclear power offers stable baseload electricity, reducing India’s dependence on volatile fossil fuel imports and support- ing uninterrupted growth in industries, data centres, and AI in- frastructure. Environmentally, it provides a low-carbon path- way aligned with India’s net-zero 2070 target, complementing renewables with reliability. Beyond energy, the SHANTI Act stimulates high-tech sectors such as robotics and advanced ma- terials, while fostering global partnerships with nuclear leaders like the US, France, Russia, and Japan. In essence, the Act is not just about energy; it is an economic catalyst that strength- ens investment, jobs, energy security, and India’s global com- petitiveness. Challenges and Concerns with the SHANTI Act The SHANTI Act, passed in late 2025, has generated signifi - cant debate in India’s energy sector. Nuclear energy continues to pose safety and environmental risks, with radiation hazards and unresolved waste management challenges remaining cen- tral concerns. Although the Act grants statutory recognition to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), experts question its inde- pendence and ability to enforce strict safety standards. Nucle- ar power plants demand extremely high capital investment, of- ten exceeding billions of dollars, and require long construction periods of 10-15 years. India’s past projects, such as Kudanku- lam, have faced delays and cost overruns, raising doubts about the economic viability of scaling up nuclear power to meet the government’s target of 100 GW capacity by 2047. Public opposition also persists, with local communities resist- ing projects due to land acquisition disputes, safety fears, and environmental concerns, as seen in protests across Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Waste disposal remains unresolved, with In- dia lacking a permanent geological repository for high-level ra- dioactive waste, unlike countries such as Finland and Sweden that are advancing long-term solutions. The Way Ahead To realise the full potential of the SHANTI Act, India must ensure a strong and independent regulatory framework aligned with global safety standards to build public and investor con- fidence. A stable, transparent policy environment with clear liability norms is essential to attract private and foreign in- vestment. Recent developments include provisions for private and foreign participation under strict regulation and support for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which are safer and more flexible but still at an early stage. Accelerating capacity ad - dition, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and enhancing skills are key, while transparent governance, strong regulation, and community engagement remain critical for sustainable nu- clear expansion. The SHANTI Act 2025 marks a major reform in India’s nuclear energy policy by replacing outdated legislation with a unified regulatory framework designed to expand nuclear power as a central component of the country’s energy mix. It introduces provisions for private sector participation, encourages interna- tional collaboration, and supports emerging technologies such as Small Modular Reactors, all aimed at accelerating nuclear capacity growth. However, the effectiveness of the Act will hinge on strong regulatory oversight, strict safety standards, and sustainable waste management practices. With India tar- geting 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047 as part of its broad- er goal of becoming a USD 5 trillion economy and a developed nation, the SHANTI Act is positioned to play a pivotal role in ensuring energy security, driving sustainable development, and reinforcing India’s standing in the global energy landscape. In essence, it is not just a legislative reform but a strategic step toward shaping India’s economic and technological future. 44 energetica INDIA- Jul-Aug_2026