India’s Nuclear Energy Roadmap: Union Budget 2025-26

Syllabus: GS3/ S&T

In News

• The government has set an ambitious target of achieving 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047, aligning with the objectives of Viksit Bharat to ensure energy security, sustainability, and reduced dependency on fossil fuels. 

Key Highlights of the Nuclear Energy Mission

• Capacity Target: 100 GW by 2047 (Current capacity: 8 GW).
• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): ₹20,000 crore allocation for R&D and indigenous SMR development.
  • Goal: Five operational SMRs by 2033.
• Private Sector Participation: Proposed amendments to key legislations:
  • Atomic Energy Act, 1962 – Framework for nuclear energy development and regulation.
  • Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 – Ensuring compensation mechanisms for nuclear incidents.
• Capacity Expansion: 10 new reactors (totaling 8 GW) under construction across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
  • Approval for a 6×1208 MW nuclear plant in Andhra Pradesh in collaboration with the USA.
• Nuclear Partnerships: Collaboration with the private sector to develop Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) and Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMRs).

Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) & Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMRs)

The government is advancing nuclear energy expansion through BSRs and BSMRs, ensuring a scalable and efficient power supply for industries and remote areas.

Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs)

• 220 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) with a strong safety and operational track record.
• Designed for reduced land requirements, making them suitable for industrial hubs (e.g., steel, aluminum, and metals) to aid in decarbonization efforts.
• Public-Private Collaboration:
  • The private sector provides land, cooling water, and capital.
  • Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) manages design, quality assurance, and operations.

Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMRs)

• Definition: Advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit.
• Modular Construction: Factory-fabricated components for faster deployment.
• Applications:
  • Coal plant repurposing
  • Off-grid power generation
  • Grid stability with renewables
  • Hydrogen co-generation (high-temperature gas-cooled reactors)

Government Initiatives for Nuclear Expansion

India’s nuclear roadmap includes multiple initiatives to scale up nuclear capacity, enhance R&D, and integrate advanced reactor technologies.

• Planned Expansion: Increase nuclear capacity from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32.
• New Projects: 10 additional reactors in pre-project stages, aiming for completion by 2031-32.
• Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) Development:
  • Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) – 500 MW achieved critical milestones in 2024, paving the way for India’s closed nuclear fuel cycle strategy.
• New Uranium Discovery: Extended the life of Jaduguda Mines by 50+ years.
• Public-Private Collaboration: NPCIL & NTPC formed the ASHVINI JV to develop nuclear power plants under existing regulatory frameworks.

Safety, Sustainability & Global Commitments

• Safety Standards: Indian nuclear power plants adhere to stringent safety measures, with radiation levels well below global benchmarks.
• International Commitments: India aligns with COP26 targets to achieve 500 GW non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030 and fulfill its Paris Agreement obligations.
• Thorium Utilization: R&D on Molten Salt Reactors to leverage India’s abundant thorium reserves for long-term energy security.

Conclusion

• The Union Budget 2025-26 underscores India’s commitment to a nuclear-powered future, reducing carbon emissions and securing energy reliability. 
• The Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat positions India as a global leader in advanced nuclear technology, with a strategic push toward indigenous innovation, public-private partnerships, and regulatory reforms. 
• With robust policy support and technological advancements, India’s nuclear sector is poised for unprecedented growth, solidifying its role in a clean energy-driven future.

Source: PIB