India has taken another step towards opening up its civilian nuclear sector, with NITI Aayog initiating consultations on implementing the SHANTI Act, 2025. The discussions, involving policymakers, regulators and industry leaders, signal the government's push to create a policy framework aimed at accelerating private participation and supporting the country's long-term clean energy ambitions.
The event was headed by NITI Aayog Member Prof. Abhay Karandikar and was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Power, Central Electricity Authority, NTPC, Department of Atomic Energy, and Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.
Regulatory Clarity And Investment Framework In Focus
Discussion focused on the framing of the rules and regulations of the SHANTI Act along with policies for ensuring that efforts were being made towards attracting foreign direct investment while safeguarding national strategic interests. Participants took into consideration the statutory compliance framework that would guarantee regulatory certainty for those interested in entering India's nuclear sector.
Participants looked at the financial arrangements, insurance arrangements, and public communication needed for large nuclear projects, which normally take much time and involve heavy investments. The industry experts emphasised that certain regulations and risk-sharing mechanisms will be crucial to secure domestic as well as foreign funding.
India presently has a nuclear power capacity of about 8.8 GW spread over many nuclear reactors. There are ambitious plans to increase the nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047, which calls for the need for private investments, technology, and international cooperation. As per the report of the International Energy Agency, there will be investments of over USD 2 trillion per year in the clean energy sector globally and nuclear energy will again gain investor attention with more countries turning to nuclear power for reliable carbon-free electricity.
Domestic Manufacturing And Skills Seen As Growth Drivers
Another major theme of the consultation was strengthening India's domestic manufacturing ecosystem for nuclear equipment and components. Stakeholders discussed measures to improve supply-chain resilience, develop specialised industrial capabilities and expand workforce training programmes to support the sector's long-term growth. Other issues that officials discussed related to the importance of developing a highly skilled workforce that can help with constructing reactors, maintaining, operating and doing advanced engineering work.
All of these discussions correlate with the larger goal of the government in terms of making the country produce more locally and decrease the reliance on foreign technologies. The nuclear industry will provide opportunities for heavy engineering firms, equipment makers, construction firms, specialised materials manufacturers and research institutes. Experts suggest that with the increase in clarity, investments in the nuclear industry could promote economic activity, create jobs and improve the energy security of the country.
Feedback collected from stakeholders during the consultation will now become an integral part of the implementation plan of the SHANTI Act, 2025 and set the stage for one of the most important policy changes of the clean energy sector in India. With proper execution, the Act could turn nuclear power into a key player in reaching the net-zero goal of the country and providing new investment opportunities. |
