The government on Monday introduced the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (Shanti) Bill, 2025, seeking to allow private companies to enter nuclear power generation while maintaining strategic control over fuel, pricing and safety. The Bill permits private firms and joint ventures to apply for licenses to build, own and operate nuclear power plants, marking a shift from India’s state-dominated nuclear sector.
However, core strategic levers, including fuel supply, tariffs, licensing, and emergency powers, will remain with the Union government and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Nuclear tariffs will be fixed by the Centre, overriding the Electricity Act, 2003, effectively classifying nuclear power as strategic infrastructure. Introduced in the Lok Sabha, the Bill aims to boost nuclear capacity for India’s clean energy transition, 24/7 power needs, and long-term energy security.
