Parliament Question: Expansion of nuclear energy

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO–643 ANSWERED ON 05/02/2026 EXPANSION OF NUCLEAR ENERGY 643. SHRI AYODHYA RAMI REDDY ALLA Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:- (a) the innovative strategies that would be employed to reconcile the nation's ambitious energy targets with the imperative of ensuring public trust, environmental stewardship and stringent safety standards, particularly in the context of emerging technologies like Small Modular Reactors and Advanced Heavy Water Reactors (AHWRs) as India navigates the complexities of nuclear energy expansion under the SHANTI Act; and (b) how the policymakers would design effective risk-sharing mechanisms and financial instruments to mitigate the high upfront costs and long-term liabilities associated with nuclear projects considering SHANTI Act is focusing on attracting private investment in nuclear energy? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH) (a) The SHANTI Act allows any person to carry out research, development, design and innovation in matters related to nuclear energy and radiation for the peaceful uses without obtaining a license. This provision aims to promote research, development and deployment of new reactor technologies in the country. (b) With due cognizance of all aspects associated with risk-sharing mechanisms and financial instruments to mitigate the high upfront costs and long-term liabilities associated with nuclear projects, concerning all stakeholder and in full consistency with the provisions contained in the SHANTI Act. *****