Why in news
- Department of Atomic Energy released draft rules under the SHANTI Act to open civil nuclear energy to private participation.
What is the SHANTI Act framework?
- Statutory initiative designed to enable private sector entry and foreign collaboration in atomic energy production.
- Managed under the Department of Atomic Energy to expand clean energy capacity.
Key changes in draft rules
- Sets out operational and liability rules allowing non-government entities to build and operate civil nuclear power plants.
- Before: State monopoly under the Atomic Energy Act restricted private operational participation.
- After: Regulated private investment and technology transfers are permitted under defined nuclear safety rules.
Why it matters
- Crucial for India-US civil nuclear cooperation and scaling base-load low-carbon energy infrastructure.
Key terms
Civil Nuclear Liability
Legal framework defining financial liability and recourse in the event of a nuclear incident.
Prelims facts
- Department of Atomic Energy functions directly under the Prime Minister's Office.
Mains discussion
- Strategic and economic implications of private sector entry into civil nuclear energy.
Source: The Hindu