The Crossbill News Desk
The Adani Group has formally announced its foray into the nuclear power sector, weeks after a new law opened the industry to private participation.
The move follows the enactment of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, which permits private entities to build and operate nuclear power facilities in the country.
In a regulatory filing dated February 12 with the National Stock Exchange of India, the conglomerate stated, “We wish to inform you that Adani Power Limited (APL) has incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary – Adani Atomic Energy Limited,” signalling its intent to enter the sector.
The SHANTI Act, cleared by both Houses of Parliament in December, replaced the Atomic Energy Act and introduced sweeping changes to India’s nuclear framework.
The legislation enables private companies not only to operate nuclear power plants but also to collaborate with foreign firms through joint ventures for technological partnerships. It provides for licences allowing private players to build, own, operate or decommission nuclear plants and reactors.
Additionally, it covers activities such as nuclear fuel fabrication, including conversion, refining and enrichment of uranium-235 up to notified thresholds, as well as the production, use, processing or disposal of other prescribed substances as determined by the Central Government.
The Adani Group’s announcement has drawn sharp political reactions. The opposition Congress party alleged that the legislation was tailored to favour select corporate interests.
Congress Rajya Sabha MP and communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh posted on X on Friday (February 13), stating, “In the last session, the SHANTI Bill was rushed through Parliament to allow private companies to own and operate nuclear power plants. In my speech in the Rajya Sabha, I had said that the SHANTI Bill was being enacted to favour the favourite. Now we now the real meaning of SHANTI SHriman Adani’s Nuclear Tech Initiative.”
The Hindu reported that it had sought additional details from Adani Power regarding its nuclear plans but had not received a response at the time of publication.
The Bill had faced resistance during its introduction in Parliament on December 15, 2025, with opposition members voicing concerns over safety, liability and environmental safeguards.
Congress MP Manish Tewari had argued, “Permitting profit seeking private participation in ultra hazardous nuclear activities while simultaneously limiting liability while granting statutory immunities and restricting judicial remedies undermines the state’s non delegable public trust obligations over life, health and the environment.”
With the legal framework now in place and a major conglomerate announcing its entry, India’s nuclear energy sector appears poised for structural change, even as political debate over the implications of private participation continues.
The move follows the enactment of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, which permits private entities to build and operate nuclear power facilities in the country.
In a regulatory filing dated February 12 with the National Stock Exchange of India, the conglomerate stated, “We wish to inform you that Adani Power Limited (APL) has incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary – Adani Atomic Energy Limited,” signalling its intent to enter the sector.
The SHANTI Act, cleared by both Houses of Parliament in December, replaced the Atomic Energy Act and introduced sweeping changes to India’s nuclear framework.
The legislation enables private companies not only to operate nuclear power plants but also to collaborate with foreign firms through joint ventures for technological partnerships. It provides for licences allowing private players to build, own, operate or decommission nuclear plants and reactors.
Additionally, it covers activities such as nuclear fuel fabrication, including conversion, refining and enrichment of uranium-235 up to notified thresholds, as well as the production, use, processing or disposal of other prescribed substances as determined by the Central Government.
The Adani Group’s announcement has drawn sharp political reactions. The opposition Congress party alleged that the legislation was tailored to favour select corporate interests.
Congress Rajya Sabha MP and communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh posted on X on Friday (February 13), stating, “In the last session, the SHANTI Bill was rushed through Parliament to allow private companies to own and operate nuclear power plants. In my speech in the Rajya Sabha, I had said that the SHANTI Bill was being enacted to favour the favourite. Now we now the real meaning of SHANTI SHriman Adani’s Nuclear Tech Initiative.”
The Hindu reported that it had sought additional details from Adani Power regarding its nuclear plans but had not received a response at the time of publication.
The Bill had faced resistance during its introduction in Parliament on December 15, 2025, with opposition members voicing concerns over safety, liability and environmental safeguards.
Congress MP Manish Tewari had argued, “Permitting profit seeking private participation in ultra hazardous nuclear activities while simultaneously limiting liability while granting statutory immunities and restricting judicial remedies undermines the state’s non delegable public trust obligations over life, health and the environment.”
With the legal framework now in place and a major conglomerate announcing its entry, India’s nuclear energy sector appears poised for structural change, even as political debate over the implications of private participation continues.
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