The National Nuclear Energy Mission, introduced in the Union Budget for 2025-26, aims to enhance India's nuclear energy capacity significantly. An allocation of Rs 20,000 crore has been designated for operationalizing five small modular reactors (SMRs), known as Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs), by the year 2033.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are designed for modular expansion and can be deployed in large numbers. They play a crucial role in replacing outdated thermal power plants, thus improving energy security. Moreover, SMRs accelerate India's decarbonization efforts, making the ambitious target of net-zero emissions by 2070 more attainable.
India envisions achieving a nuclear power capacity of 100 GW by 2047. This goal encompasses the deployment of approximately 50 SMRs, primarily aimed at replacing captive thermal power plants in industries such as steel, aluminium, copper, and cement.
The initiative for SMRs was initially announced in the Budget 2024 with an allocation of Rs 24,969 crore, which encouraged private sector participation in BSR research and development. The current budget for 2025-26 provides further financial support to expedite the deployment of these critical energy resources.
The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is actively collaborating with Tata Consulting Engineers to redesign the Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) to develop BSRs. This collaboration aims to achieve a high degree of standardization, facilitating easy deployment at existing thermal plant sites.
The cost of foreign-built SMRs is approximately Rs 100 crore per megawatt, while domestic PHWR technology could potentially reduce this cost to Rs 16 crore per megawatt. This significant cost difference makes indigenous BSRs a more viable option for India's energy expansion needs.
India boasts a robust foundation in small reactor technology. Currently, over 80 SMR designs are being developed globally, with four advanced-stage SMRs under construction in Argentina, China, and Russia. India may also seek partnerships with the US for technology transfer to enhance its capabilities.
Foreign companies are often hesitant to invest in India's nuclear sector due to stringent compensation laws, safety regulations, and liability concerns in the event of accidents or leaks. These challenges hinder the potential growth of foreign investment in nuclear energy.
As of now, India has 24 operational nuclear plants generating around 8 GW of power. The goal is to more than double this capacity by 2032 through the implementation of SMRs and other advanced reactor technologies.
SMRs present a cost-effective, modular, and scalable solution for energy needs. Unlike large nuclear plants that often encounter budget overruns and delays, SMRs can be factory-built and transported, significantly reducing construction time and costs.
Q1. What is the National Nuclear Energy Mission announced in Budget 2025?
Answer: The National Nuclear Energy Mission aims to enhance India’s nuclear energy capacity with an allocation of Rs 20,000 crore, focusing on operationalizing five small modular reactors by 2033.
Q2. How will SMRs contribute to India’s clean energy transition?
Answer: SMRs can replace ageing thermal power plants, improve energy security, and accelerate decarbonization efforts, making the net-zero emissions target by 2070 more achievable.
Q3. What is India’s long-term goal for nuclear energy capacity?
Answer: India aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, deploying about 50 SMRs primarily to replace captive thermal power plants in various industries.
Q4. How does the 2025 budget allocation build on previous initiatives?
Answer: The 2025 budget follows the 2024 announcement, which allocated Rs 24,969 crore to encourage private sector participation in BSR research and development.
Q5. What challenges do foreign investors face in India’s nuclear sector?
Answer: Foreign companies face challenges due to stringent laws on compensation, safety regulations, and liability issues, making them hesitant to invest in nuclear plants in India.
Question 1: What is the allocation for the National Nuclear Energy Mission in the 2025 budget?
A) Rs 15,000 crore
B) Rs 20,000 crore
C) Rs 25,000 crore
D) Rs 30,000 crore
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What is the target year for operationalizing Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs)?
A) 2030
B) 2033
C) 2040
D) 2047
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: How many operational nuclear plants does India currently have?
A) 20
B) 24
C) 28
D) 32
Correct Answer: B
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