Government introduces new nuclear energy bill in Lok Sabha

The Government of India has introduced a new legislation in the Lok Sabha to overhaul India’s nuclear energy framework. Titled the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025, the Bill seeks to repeal the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, and replace them with a single, updated legal regime.

The Bill, numbered 196 of 2025, was introduced by Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, Atomic Energy, and Space. It proposes a comprehensive reform of nuclear governance, encompassing power generation, safety regulation, civil liability, and the expansion of nuclear applications beyond electricity generation.

A central feature of the Bill is the expansion of participation in nuclear power development. It allows private companies, government companies, joint ventures, and other eligible entities to apply for licences to build, own, and operate nuclear power plants, as well as undertake permitted fuel cycle activities. Certain strategic areas, including fuel enrichment and reprocessing, will remain restricted to the Central Government.

The Bill strengthens regulatory oversight by granting statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). The regulator will be empowered to issue safety authorisations and enforce requirements related to nuclear safety, security, and safeguards.

It also introduces a revised civil liability framework for nuclear damage. Operator liability limits are linked to reactor capacity, ranging from Rs 100 crore to Rs 3,000 crore. The Bill defines circumstances in which the Central Government may also bear liability and provides for the establishment of a Nuclear Damage Claims Commission in cases involving severe nuclear incidents.

To support innovation, the Bill promotes research, development, and innovation in nuclear science by exempting such activities from licensing, except in sensitive areas. It also seeks to expand the use of nuclear and radiation technologies in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, food processing, water management, and industry.

New institutional mechanisms are proposed under the legislation. These include an Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council for dispute resolution. The Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL), with additional technical members for atomic energy matters, has been designated as the appellate authority.

The Bill also grants the Central Government powers to classify restricted information and declare prohibited areas. It includes provisions related to inspection, investigation, search, and seizure to ensure compliance with the law.

According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons, the proposed legislation is aligned with India’s long-term energy and climate goals. It aims to support the target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 and contribute to India’s decarbonisation objective by 2070. The government has highlighted the role of nuclear power in providing reliable round-the-clock electricity for emerging applications such as data centres, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing, while leveraging India’s thorium reserves and closed fuel cycle capabilities.

The Bill will now be taken up for parliamentary scrutiny and debate. If enacted, it would represent a significant shift in India’s nuclear energy policy and regulatory architecture.

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