Examine how private sector participation in nuclear energy, as enabled by the SHANTI Act, can help India meet its 2047 nuclear capacity and 2070 decarbonisation targets.

Q. Examine how private sector participation in nuclear energy, as enabled by the SHANTI Act, can help India meet its 2047 nuclear capacity and 2070 decarbonisation targets. (15 marks, 250 words)

The SHANTI Act, 2025 (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India) ends the state monopoly in force since 1962, opening nuclear power to private players [3]. By mobilising private capital, it becomes central to India's goal of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 and net-zero by 2070 [1].

How it advances the 2047 capacity target - Capital mobilisation: private and foreign investment eases the fiscal burden on the Department of Atomic Energy in a highly capital-intensive sector [1]. - Scale and speed: private entities may build, own and operate plants, fabricate fuel, and manufacture equipment, widening the delivery pipeline [1]. - Investor confidence: repeal of CLNDA 2010's supplier-liability clause and a graded operator-liability regime (₹100–3,000 crore) align India with global norms, drawing back deterred foreign reactor suppliers [2].

How it advances the 2070 decarbonisation target - Nuclear offers firm, low-carbon baseload power complementing intermittent renewables, indispensable for deep decarbonisation. - Private R&D for peaceful purposes can accelerate small modular and advanced reactors [1].

Implementation caveats - Enabling Rules remain in the drafting stage (as of July 2026); no private licence is yet operative [3]. - Sensitive fuel-cycle activities—enrichment, heavy water, spent-fuel management—stay reserved with the Centre [3]. - AERB, now with statutory status, must scale safety oversight [2].

Realising these gains hinges on swift, transparent notification of Rules and robust regulation. Executed well, SHANTI can convert private participation into a pillar of India's energy security and climate commitments under its 2070 pledge.

(~250 words)

Sources: 1. SHANTI Act, 2025 — Department of Atomic Energy / PIB releases — private-sector scope, 100 GW by 2047 target, private R&D 2. PRS Bill Summary — Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025 — removal of supplier liability, graded liability, statutory AERB 3. Parliament Question: Private Sector Participation in Nuclear Energy — PIB — Rules in drafting stage, reserved fuel-cycle activities, build-own-operate scope