Draft SHANTI Rules, 2026
The government has introduced the draft SHANTI Rules, 2026, aimed at defining a comprehensive framework for nuclear operator liability, insurance, and financial security. This is part of India's strategy to expand nuclear power and enhance private participation in the nuclear sector.
Nuclear Operator Liability
- Operators of nuclear installations will be strictly liable for nuclear damage on a no-fault basis.
- Liability extends to nuclear damage caused during the carriage of nuclear material.
Insurance and Financial Security
- Nuclear operators must maintain financial protection against potential nuclear damage.
- Rule 77 mandates an insurance policy, financial security, or a combination, as per the Act.
- The financial security must remain valid until all spent fuel is removed from storage.
- Financial instruments like shares or bonds are to be pledged to the Central Government with a security margin of 1:1.33.
- Operators must cover any shortfall in financial security immediately with additional insurance or financial security.
Expansion of Nuclear Applications
- The draft rules extend applications beyond electricity generation to include:
- Captive power
- Process heat
- Hydrogen production
- Medical isotope production
- Education, training, and research
- Proposals for nuclear captive power in industries like data centers, quantum technologies, and AI-enabled technologies.
Waste Management and Decommissioning
- Operators must make financial arrangements covering:
- Civil liability
- Operating costs
- Spent fuel and radioactive waste management
- Decommissioning and site remediation
Central Government-Owned Installations
- Separate framework proposed for government-owned nuclear installations.
- In specified cases, the Central Government will assume liability, negating the need for insurance by operators.
Review of Nuclear Liability Limits
- The maximum limits of civil liability for nuclear damage to be reviewed every five years.
- An expert group, comprised of specialists from various fields, will recommend changes to liability limits and provisions.
Overall, the draft SHANTI Rules 2026 are designed to facilitate the growth of nuclear power and technology use with mandatory insurance and financial safeguards, providing a clear regulatory framework as India expands its nuclear sector.
