Key Takeaways
- The Rajya Sabha discussed the SHANTI Bill, which aims to allow private investment in India’s nuclear energy sector.
- Union Minister Jitendra Singh emphasized that nuclear energy is a reliable power source compared to other renewables.
- The bill includes safeguards and regulatory measures to ensure safety and security in the nuclear sector.
Nuclear Energy Bill Discussion in Rajya Sabha
New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha engaged in a discussion on Thursday regarding the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill. Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that the government will not compromise on safety mechanisms associated with nuclear energy.
The SHANTI Bill was previously passed in the Lok Sabha and aims to open the civil nuclear sector to private participation, seeking to expand investment opportunities in a sector that has been traditionally state-controlled. Minister Singh highlighted the significance of nuclear energy as a reliable 24-hour power source, asserting its superiority over other renewable energy options.
Over the last decade, Singh noted that India’s role on the global stage has evolved, asserting that the country is no longer a follower but a leader in energy solutions. “For the first time after 2014, priority is being given to global concerns like climate and energy security,” he asserted. He also pointed out that a strategic shift towards clean energy is crucial to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
In the context of nuclear energy, Singh detailed the growth of investment in the atomic energy sector. The department’s budget has increased from Rs 13,879 crore prior to 2014 to Rs 37,483 crore currently. He added that a decision to open the nuclear sector for joint ventures was made in 2015, though initially this was limited to public sector units.
Additionally, Singh shared that, under the current government, nuclear power capacity expanded from 4.7 GW in 2014 to 8.9 GW today. He stressed that this capacity currently only meets 3 percent of India’s power needs, with aims to increase it to at least 10 percent by 2047 through a dedicated nuclear energy mission.
The mission will focus on facilitating private sector involvement in nuclear energy while ensuring that safety safeguards and regulatory frameworks are in place. As part of the bill, adjustments will be made to accommodate private players, with a newly established regulatory board being given statutory status to oversee operations in the sector.
Singh concluded by reassuring the House that safety mechanisms would remain robust and uncompromised as the government moves forward with these new initiatives in India’s nuclear energy landscape.
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