SHANTI Act 2025 Takes Centre Stage at Workshop to Fast-Track 100 GW Nuclear Power Goal

In a decisive push to transform India's clean energy landscape, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Power, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), and NTPC Limited, convened a high-level national workshop to accelerate the operationalisation of the SHANTI Act, 2025—a landmark legislation aimed at scaling India's nuclear power capacity to 100 GW.

Held at the Scope Convention Centre, the workshop brought together over 150 stakeholders, including representatives from 19 States, central ministries, regulators, public and private developers, industry bodies, and academia, marking one of the most comprehensive consultations on nuclear energy expansion in recent years.

SHANTI Act: A Game-Changer for India's Nuclear Ambitions

The SHANTI Act, 2025 is being positioned as a transformative policy framework designed to unlock large-scale nuclear deployment in India. It introduces key reforms such as:

• Opening the sector to private participation

• Establishing a graded liability framework

• Aligning nuclear regulations with the Electricity Act, 2003

• Enabling innovative financing and risk-sharing mechanisms

Officials highlighted that the Act will play a pivotal role in helping India meet its Net Zero commitments while ensuring long-term energy security through reliable, clean, and baseload power.

Strategic Vision: Reliable Clean Energy Backbone

Addressing the gathering, Shri Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, CEA, emphasised that nuclear energy is critical for delivering round-the-clock, carbon-free electricity, especially as India's energy demand continues to rise.

He underscored the importance of fuel security, advocating diversification of supply sources and long-term procurement strategies to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Ms. Seema Jain, Member (Finance), DAE, highlighted the financial dimension of nuclear expansion, stressing the need for:

• Robust risk-sharing frameworks

• Innovative financing models

• Strong institutional mechanisms

• Global technology partnerships

NTPC Signals Acceleration in Nuclear Deployment

Shri Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC, noted that the SHANTI Act has opened new opportunities for industry participation, making nuclear energy a viable option for private players seeking clean power solutions.

He called for:

• Early identification of sites and land acquisition

• Accelerated preparatory activities

• Strengthened supply chains and partnerships

He also emphasised that timely formulation of rules and guidelines under the Act will be crucial for fast-tracking project execution.

Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration at the Core

Opening the technical sessions, Shri Praveen Gupta, Member (E&C), CEA, stressed that achieving India's ambitious nuclear targets will require close collaboration between government, industry, and academia.

The workshop served as a platform for cross-sectoral dialogue, reflecting a coordinated national effort to scale nuclear capacity.

Seven Key Focus Areas Shape Roadmap

Extensive deliberations were held across seven strategic pillars critical to operationalising the SHANTI Act:

1. Policy Framework & Fuel SecurityDiscussions focused on private sector participation, liability mechanisms, and building domestic capabilities alongside strategic fuel reserves.

2. Site Selection & Project De-riskingExperts highlighted the importance of efficient land acquisition, repurposing retiring thermal plants, and stronger Centre–State coordination.

3. Technology Access & DeploymentThe need for global collaborations, streamlined approvals, and design support institutions was emphasised.

4. Localisation & Skill DevelopmentStrengthening domestic supply chains and developing skilled manpower were identified as essential for scaling up.

5. Cost, Tariff & Financing ModelsEnsuring cost competitiveness through standardisation, indigenisation, and innovative financing structures emerged as a key priority.

6. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) & Micro Modular Reactors (MMRs)These next-generation technologies were highlighted as flexible, safer, and faster alternatives to large reactors, enabling decentralised deployment.

7. Risk Management & Investor ConfidenceRobust insurance frameworks and liability clarity were identified as critical for attracting private investment.

Nuclear Energy at the Heart of India's Energy Transition

India's push toward 100 GW of nuclear capacity reflects a broader strategy to diversify its energy mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Unlike intermittent renewable sources, nuclear energy provides stable baseload power, making it a key component in achieving a balanced and resilient energy system.

Road Ahead: From Policy to Implementation

The workshop underscored that while the SHANTI Act lays a strong legislative foundation, its success will depend on:

• Swift rollout of implementing rules

• Effective coordination across stakeholders

• Timely execution of projects

• Sustained investment and innovation

As India navigates the dual challenge of meeting rising energy demand and climate commitments, the operationalisation of the SHANTI Act marks a critical step toward building a secure, sustainable, and future-ready energy ecosystem.