India Takes a Giant Leap in Nuclear Safety with Draft SHANTI Act Rules

The Department of Atomic Energy has taken a significant step towards ensuring safety and accountability in India's nuclear sector by releasing draft rules for the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy (SHANTI) Act, 2025. The draft rules aim to enhance safety and transparency in the nuclear sector, while also promoting accountability and international best practices.

One of the key provisions in the draft rules is the requirement for nuclear plant operators to maintain an insurance policy, financial security, or a combination of both for nuclear damage. This is a crucial step towards ensuring that operators are held accountable for any nuclear damage or accidents that may occur. The financial security must remain in place until the removal of all spent fuel from the storage pool concerned, which adds an extra layer of safety and accountability.

The Centre will also be required to constitute a group of experts to review the maximum limits of an operator's civil liability for nuclear damage, once every five years. This regular review will help ensure that the liability limits are adequate and that operators are held accountable for any damages or losses.

Another significant provision in the draft rules is the requirement for foreign-designed reactors to be certified or approved in the country of origin by its regulatory body. This means that operators of foreign-designed reactors must have their design certified in a country that is self-reliant in nuclear reactor design and supply-chain ecosystem, whose regulatory approvals are trusted globally. The reactor must also be operational either in the country of origin or any other foreign country.

The draft rules also introduce a single composite licence for building, owning, operating, and decommissioning nuclear power plants. This licence will authorise all the necessary activities and permissions for the plant, making it easier for operators to navigate the complex regulatory landscape.

The draft rules also highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in the nuclear sector. They mention that the licensing authority may grant 'in-principle approval' after admitting an application, where the site or technology has not been selected. This means that operators will have to negotiate with reactor technology vendors and acquire the necessary land and infrastructure before proceeding with the project.

The draft rules are a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and security of India's citizens. As the country continues to push for nuclear energy growth, these draft rules will help alleviate concerns about nuclear power and promote a safer and more transparent nuclear sector. The Centre's commitment to accountability and international best practices is evident in these draft rules, and it will be interesting to see how they shape the future of India's nuclear energy landscape.

Key Takeaways

• The Department of Atomic Energy has released draft rules for the SHANTI Act, 2025, to enhance safety and transparency in India's nuclear sector.
• Nuclear plant operators must maintain an insurance policy, financial security, or a combination of both for nuclear damage.
• The Centre will review the maximum limits of an operator's civil liability for nuclear damage every five years.
• Foreign-designed reactors must be certified or approved in the country of origin by its regulatory body.
• A single composite licence will be introduced for building, owning, operating, and decommissioning nuclear power plants.
• The draft rules promote transparency and accountability in the nuclear sector, and will help alleviate concerns about nuclear power.