Bihar to Host Its First Nuclear Power Plant Under India’s New SMR Mission

In a landmark announcement on June 25, 2025, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar declared that Bihar will soon have its first nuclear power plant, making it one of the first six Indian states to be included in the rollout of Small Modular Reactor (SMR)-based energy systems.

This development follows a formal request by the Bihar government, which the Centre has now approved. Though the exact location and capacity of the project are yet to be finalized, the plan signals a transformative chapter in Bihar’s energy and infrastructure landscape.

What is the SMR-Based Nuclear Power Plant?

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are an advanced form of nuclear energy technology, designed to be:

• Cost-effective

• Compact in size

• Safer and more flexible than traditional reactors

SMRs are especially suited for regions with smaller power grids or challenging terrains, making them an ideal solution for energy-deficient states like Bihar. These reactors offer enhanced safety features and the ability to scale quickly based on local demand.

The Nuclear Energy Mission: Vision and Budget

The nuclear plant announcement is part of the Union Budget 2025–26, which includes a ₹20,000 crore allocation for the Nuclear Energy Mission. The government has outlined its strategic goal to establish at least one nuclear power plant in every state, enhancing energy security, industrial growth, and sustainable development.

Why Bihar? Regional Impact and Power Deficit

Historically, Bihar has struggled with power shortages, aging infrastructure, and unreliable electricity supply. The upcoming SMR-based nuclear plant is expected to:

• Stabilize Bihar’s power grid

• Boost industrialization

• Support the state’s ambitious growth targets

This decision also arrives ahead of Bihar’s upcoming assembly elections, underscoring the political and developmental significance of the project.

Battery Storage Boost: Complementing the Nuclear Mission

In addition to the nuclear plant, the Centre has also sanctioned a 1,000 MW battery storage project in Bihar, with viability gap funding of ₹18 lakh per MW. This will:

• Enhance grid stability

• Support renewable energy integration

This initiative builds on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Siwan (June 20, 2025), where he laid the foundation stone for a 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

Praise for Bihar’s Recent Energy Sector Reforms

Khattar applauded Bihar’s significant improvements in the power sector, including:

• Installation of 8 million smart meters

• Reduction in technical and commercial losses

As a result of these efforts, the Centre will provide an additional 500 MW of electricity to Bihar over the next six months to meet peak summer demand.

Power Vision 2035: A Multi-Energy Roadmap

The Centre has also prepared a Power Vision 2035, integrating:

• Thermal

• Solar

• Wind

• Storage

• Nuclear energy sources

This long-term strategy aims to diversify India’s energy mix, ensuring sustainability and scalability in line with the country’s economic and industrial growth.