US Nuclear Industry to Submit SHANTI Act Feedback to India by September 4

The US nuclear industry is preparing a joint submission on India’s draft SHANTI Act rules, signalling growing interest in the country’s plan to open parts of its civil nuclear sector to private participation.

The submission is being coordinated by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and is expected to be sent to India’s Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) before the September 4 deadline for public comments.

The draft rules and regulations under the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act outline the proposed framework for private participation in India’s nuclear energy sector, including licensing, insurance, approvals and regulatory procedures.

US nuclear industry prepares joint response

The Department of Atomic Energy released the draft SHANTI Rules and Regulations last week and invited stakeholders to submit their comments by September 4.

USISPF, which earlier led a delegation of American nuclear industry representatives to India to explore opportunities in the civil nuclear sector, is now coordinating feedback from industry participants.

The organisation recently held discussions with legal experts and the Washington-based Nuclear Energy Institute. It also organised a virtual briefing for members of its Nuclear Industry Committee, bringing together senior representatives from across the nuclear value chain.

The discussions focused on key provisions of the proposed rules and their implications for private-sector participation, licensing, liability and nuclear project structuring.

What does the SHANTI Act allow?

The SHANTI Act represents a significant step towards allowing greater private-sector participation in India’s nuclear energy industry.

Under the proposed framework, private companies and joint ventures could be allowed to build, own and operate nuclear power plants. They could also participate in decommissioning projects and nuclear research and development.

The legislation further opens opportunities for private players in areas such as nuclear fuel manufacturing and the use of ionising radiation for non-electricity applications, including medicine, agriculture and other industries.

However, the government will continue to retain control over sensitive and strategic aspects of the nuclear sector.

India targets 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047

India has set an ambitious target of generating 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047 as part of its long-term energy strategy.

The country is also working towards developing at least five indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033. These advanced nuclear reactors are designed to produce up to 300 megawatts of electricity and could play a key role in expanding India's clean energy capacity.

The draft SHANTI rules are therefore being closely watched by domestic and international nuclear companies, as they could define how private investment enters one of India’s most tightly controlled strategic sectors.

With US industry groups preparing a comprehensive response before the September 4 deadline, the feedback could help shape the final regulatory framework governing private participation in India’s civil nuclear sector.