India's Department of Atomic Energy on August 14, 2026, issued the Draft Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Rules, 2026.
The following has been stated:
• The draft rules propose to supersede the Atomic Energy (Working of Mines, Minerals and Handling of Prescribed Substance) Rules, 1984; Atomic Energy (Safe Disposal of Radioactive Wastes) Rules, 1987; Atomic Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules, 2004; Atomic Energy (Radiation Processing of Food and Allied Products) Rules, 2012; Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Rules, 2011; and Nuclear Liability Fund Rules, 2015.
• The draft establishes a comprehensive licensing framework for nuclear facilities and activities, including nuclear power plants and reactors. A single composite licence may authorise an eligible person to build, own, operate and decommission a nuclear power plant or reactor for grid electricity, captive generation, process heat, hydrogen production, isotope production, research, training and other peaceful applications permitted by the Central Government. The framework also permits sourcing of indigenous or foreign reactor technology, subject to conditions relating to technology approval, national interest, public health and safety, and intellectual property rights.
• For site approval, applicants shall demonstrate availability and appropriate use of land through the relevant government authorities, sufficient space for the plant, radioactive waste and spent-fuel storage, exclusion zones and security requirements. Site selection will also consider rejection criteria, water availability, power evacuation, connectivity, eco-sensitive areas and other statutory requirements. For design approval, foreign reactor designs shall have appropriate regulatory approval in the country of origin, while indigenous/new designs shall comply with the latest regulatory requirements; construction cannot commence without a valid design approval.
• Applicants will also be required to demonstrate financial, managerial and technical capabilities. Financial assessment includes construction and operating cost estimates, fuel costs, environmental surveillance and safety-related expenditure, sources of funding, net worth, financial statements, solvency/banker certification and SEBI-registered credit ratings. Managerial capability covers lifecycle business plans, fuel and heavy-water arrangements, spent-fuel and radioactive-waste management, decommissioning plans, technology-provider arrangements and organisational systems for safety, security, safeguards and quality assurance.
• Suggestions and feedback may be submitted by email to [email protected], by September 04, 2026.
