LS passes nuclear energy Bill allowing privatisation, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• The Lok Sabha passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, which aims to incentivize private sector participation in nuclear power production.
• The Bill removes a clause from the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, that allowed nuclear plant operators to claim recourse from suppliers in case of an accident.
• The Science Minister stated that the Bill is necessary due to changes in technology, such as the advent of small modular reactors, and the reduced risk of catastrophe.
• Opposition MPs raised concerns about the timing of the Bill, potential benefits to specific companies, and the capping of liability for plant operators at ₹3,000 crore.

Detailed Insights:

• The SHANTI Bill, 2025 seeks to encourage both Indian and foreign private sector investment in the nuclear power sector.
• The removal of the recourse clause in the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 could potentially increase foreign participation but also raises questions about supplier liability in case of nuclear accidents.
• The government argues that advancements in nuclear technology, particularly small modular reactors, have reduced the risk of large-scale catastrophes, justifying the changes in liability rules.
• Concerns were raised by opposition parties regarding the potential impact of Trump tariffs and the pressure to attract foreign investment, particularly from American companies.
• The Nuclear Mission aims to deploy reactors, including small modular reactors, to provide power in densely populated areas.
• The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 was enacted to ensure prompt compensation to victims in the event of a nuclear accident, aligning with international conventions on nuclear liability.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Nuclear fission reactors that are smaller than conventional reactors, designed to be built in factories and transported to sites for installation.
• Civil Liability: Legal responsibility for damages or losses caused by an accident or incident.
• Nuclear Mission: A government initiative to expand nuclear power generation capacity through the deployment of advanced and safer reactor technologies.