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The Department of Atomic Energy released the draft SHANTI Rules, 2026 to operationalise the SHANTI Act, 2025 (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India), which replaces the old Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010.
Key Features of the Draft SHANTI Rules
- Single Composite Licence: Introduces a single-window framework enabling eligible private entities or joint ventures to build, own, operate, and decommission nuclear power plants.
- Captive Nuclear Power: Energy-intensive sectors like semiconductors, data centres, aluminium, green hydrogen and AI can set up nuclear plants for their own use.
- Foreign Technology: Imported nuclear/SMR designs must be certified and already operational in the country of origin or elsewhere. This could favour Russia and China, which have operational reactor technologies.
- Operator Liability: Plant operators alone bear liability for nuclear accidents; suppliers are excluded from liability and recourse claims.
- Safety & Decommissioning: Operators must maintain funds and insurance for decommissioning and accident risks.
- State Monopoly: Uranium enrichment, isotope separation, heavy water production and spent-fuel management remain under government control.
- Statutory Regulator: The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) gets statutory status for stronger and independent nuclear safety oversight.
About Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear fission reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 Megawatts electric (MWe) per module—roughly one-third of a traditional reactor. They are built in factories and moved to sites for quick assembly, offering clean, reliable electricity, better passive safety and can replace retiring coal-based power plants.
Significance for India
- Proven Technology Advantage: India can access operational SMR technologies such as Russia’s Akademik Lomonosov and China’s HTR-PM, reducing technological risks and supporting faster deployment.
- Energy Goals: Nuclear power can improve energy security, decarbonisation, reliable baseload power and clean-energy diversification.
- Competition: Limiting entry to operational technologies may reduce competition among emerging SMR developers.
- Reliable Power Supply: Enables industries to access stable, 24×7 nuclear power, reducing dependence on coal and intermittent renewables.
- Regional Development: SMRs can provide power to remote industrial clusters and areas with limited grid infrastructure.
Way Forward
- Strong Regulation: Maintain strict nuclear safety standards while promoting healthy competition among suppliers.
- Balanced Approach: Consider technology maturity, cost, safety, domestic capability and strategic interests in technology selection.
- Self-Reliance: Accelerate indigenous SMR development and strengthen domestic nuclear manufacturing.
- Diversified Partnerships: Expand cooperation with multiple countries to avoid excessive dependence on one supplier.
UPSC-Oriented FAQs
Q1. What is the key requirement under the draft SHANTI Act rules for imported nuclear technology?
Ans: The technology must be certified or approved by the regulator in its country of origin and must already be operational domestically or in another country.
Q2. What are the SHANTI Rules, 2026?
Ans. They are draft rules issued by the Department of Atomic Energy to implement the SHANTI Act, 2025 and regulate India’s nuclear sector.
Q3. What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)?
Ans. SMRs are nuclear reactors of up to 300 MWe per module. They can be factory-built and assembled at sites, providing reliable and low-carbon electricity.
Q4. How can the SHANTI Rules benefit India’s industries?
Ans. They allow captive nuclear power for sectors such as semiconductors, data centres, aluminium, green hydrogen and AI, ensuring reliable 24×7 power.
Q5. How can India ensure safe and sustainable nuclear expansion?
Ans. India should maintain strict safety standards, promote indigenous SMR development, strengthen domestic manufacturing and diversify international partnerships.
