India's Nuclear Shift: SHANTI Bill Opens Doors for Private Sector

The Rajya Sabha reviewed the SHANTI Bill which aims to open India's civil nuclear sector to private participation. Minister Jitendra Singh emphasized the importance of nuclear energy for reliable power and detailed efforts to enhance nuclear capacity and safeguard mechanisms since 2014.

The Rajya Sabha delved into the SHANTI Bill discussion on Wednesday, with Minister Jitendra Singh assuring the body's commitment to maintaining safeguard mechanisms. The bill marks a significant shift by opening the country's civil nuclear energy sector to private entities.

Passed by the Lok Sabha earlier, the bill highlights nuclear energy as a consistent 24/7 power source, unlike other renewables. Singh reaffirmed India's leading global stance in energy and climate solutions, urging a transition to clean energy and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.

Since 2014, nuclear capacity has jumped from 4.7 GW to 8.9GW, with future goals set to expand this further through a recently launched nuclear energy mission. Regulatory adjustments in the SHANTI Bill aim to integrate private participants while upholding safety and regulatory standards.

(With inputs from agencies.)