PARLIAMENT QUESTION: ENHANCING NUCLEAR ENERGY GENERATION

Why in news

Parliament has enacted The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025, and details regarding the progress of nuclear reactor construction and commissioning were provided.

Exam relevance

GS3, GS2 · Economy, Science & Technology, Governance · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. Parliament has enacted The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025.
2. The SHANTI Act, 2025, focuses on the Nuclear Energy Mission of the Government of India.
3. The target is to achieve 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047.
4. The Act enables wider participation of both public and private sectors in nuclear energy.
5. During the last ten years, thirteen reactors totaling 10600 MW have been at various stages of construction/commissioning.
6. Four reactors with a total capacity of 3100 MW have commenced commercial operation.
7. These operational reactors include KKNPP-2 (1 X 1000 MW) in Tamil Nadu, KAPP-3&4 (2 X 700 MW) in Gujarat, and RAPP-7 (1 X 700 MW) in Rajasthan.
8. Nine reactors with a total capacity of 7500 MW are at various stages of construction.
9. The Government has accorded administrative approval and financial sanction for ten indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) to be set up in fleet mode.
10. Two units, KKNPP-5&6 (2X1000 MW), are being set up in cooperation with the Russian Federation.

Prelims pointers

• The SHANTI Act, 2025, is related to nuclear energy generation.
• The target for nuclear energy generation is 100 GW by 2047.
• The Act allows for wider participation of both public and private sectors.
• Operational nuclear reactors mentioned are in Tamil Nadu (Kudankulam), Gujarat (Kakrapar), and Rajasthan (Rawatbhata).
• Reactors under construction are in Rajasthan (Rawatbhata), Tamil Nadu (Kudankulam), Karnataka (Kaiga), and Haryana (Gorakhpur).
• Indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) are being set up in fleet mode.
• KKNPP-5&6 units are being set up in cooperation with the Russian Federation.

Mains practice question

Critically analyze the significance of The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025, in achieving India's energy security and clean energy targets. Discuss the opportunities and challenges in expanding nuclear power capacity in India.

Static linkage

The development of nuclear energy is crucial for India's long-term energy security, clean energy transition, and achieving sustainable development goals. The SHANTI Act, 2025, provides the legislative framework to accelerate the Nuclear Energy Mission, building upon existing policies and infrastructure for atomic energy development.

Significance

The enactment of the SHANTI Act, 2025, and the ongoing expansion of nuclear power capacity are significant for India's energy landscape. It aims to enhance energy security by diversifying the energy mix and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The target of 100 GW by 2047 underscores a strong commitment to clean energy and climate change mitigation. Furthermore, enabling wider public and private sector participation can bring in necessary investments and technological expertise, while the focus on indigenous PHWRs highlights self-reliance in critical energy technology. International cooperation, as seen with the Russian Federation, also plays a vital role in technology transfer and capacity building.