February 5, 2025
India’s Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat aims to bolster domestic nuclear capabilities and energy security
The 2025-26 Union Budget allocates INR 20,000 crore for R&D in Small Modular Reactors, with a target of five operational by 2033
India’s nuclear power capacity is projected to increase from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32, with ten reactors under construction
The private sector's entry into the nuclear industry is expected to drive growth and innovation, replicating the success of the space sector
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced that the newly launched Nuclear Mission under the Union Budget 2025-26 is poised to change India’s energy landscape, propelling nuclear power as a primary energy source. He highlighted that the move aims to ensure energy security while fostering innovation through private sector involvement.
Speaking about the government’s roadmap, Dr Singh emphasised the transformative decision to open the nuclear energy sector to private players, marking a shift from its decades-long secrecy. He drew parallels with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to open the space sector, which resulted in unprecedented growth and innovation.
The Union Budget earmarked INR 20,000 crore for R&D in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), to have five indigenously developed SMRs operational by 2033. This aligns with India’s ambition to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 as part of its commitment to reduce carbon emissions.
Dr Singh shared that India’s nuclear power capacity, currently at 8,180 MW, will expand to 22,480 MW by 2031-32, with reactors under construction in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. Plans are also underway for a major 6 x 1208 MW nuclear power plant in collaboration with the USA at Kovvada, Andhra Pradesh.
A notable achievement came on 19 September 2024, when the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project’s Unit-7 reached criticality, marking a controlled fission reaction milestone.
Reaffirming India’s push for clean and sustainable energy, Dr Singh stated that nuclear power will be central to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy generation by 2030. He underscored the government’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070, highlighting PM Modi’s leadership in initiating the Mission LiFE.
In addition to advancements in nuclear energy, Dr Singh introduced the BIOe3 Policy, aimed at driving a biotechnology-driven industrial revolution. The initiative will promote bio-manufacturing, bio-foundries, and circular economy models, fostering recyclable products under the “Wealth from Waste” concept.
He highlighted the establishment of BIRAC to support biotech start-ups. India has already achieved notable milestones, including the development of its first antibiotic, Nafithromycin, and the HPV vaccine.
Concluding his address, Dr Singh reiterated that the provisions for nuclear power in the Union Budget 2025-26 will mark a transformative shift in India’s energy landscape, positioning the nation as a global leader in advanced nuclear technology by 2047.
Source: PIB