Union Budget 2025-26 What Nuclear Power Sector Gets?

The Union Budget 2025-26 marks a significant step in India’s nuclear energy ambitions. The government has prioritized nuclear power as a cornerstone of the country’s long-term energy strategy. With a target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, India is positioning itself to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, bolster energy security, and fulfill its environmental commitments. Key to this effort is the establishment of the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat, which will promote domestic nuclear capabilities, encourage private sector involvement, and develop advanced nuclear technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

Key Developments in the Union Budget 2025-26

1. Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat

• The government has launched the Nuclear Energy Mission to accelerate nuclear energy development and achieve energy security and sustainability.
• Focus on increasing the share of nuclear energy in the energy mix, with a target of 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047.
• This mission will involve policy reforms, legislative amendments, and strategic infrastructure investments.

2. Research & Development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

• The Union Budget allocates ₹20,000 crore for the development and deployment of SMRs, with the goal of having five indigenously designed SMRs operational by 2033.
• SMRs are seen as a flexible, cost-effective alternative to traditional large reactors, with a power generation capacity ranging from 30 MWe to 300+ MWe.
• SMRs will help address land constraints, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and provide energy solutions for remote areas.

3. Private Sector Participation and Legislative Amendments

• The government will amend the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act to encourage private sector participation.
• The private sector will play a crucial role in the establishment of Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) and the development of newer nuclear technologies.
• These amendments are expected to create a more favorable environment for private sector investments and innovation.

4. Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs)

• BSRs are 220 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) that are designed to meet the growing energy needs of industrial hubs.
• These reactors are being upgraded to reduce land requirements, making them suitable for industries such as steel, aluminum, and metals.
• Private entities will provide land, cooling water, and capital, while NPCIL will oversee design, quality assurance, and operations.

5. Other Nuclear Technologies Under Development

• The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is advancing the development of SMRs and other advanced reactor designs, such as High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors (HTGRs) and Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs).
• HTGRs are being developed for hydrogen co-generation, and MSRs aim to utilize India’s abundant thorium resources.
• These advanced reactors are essential for addressing energy security and contributing to global climate goals.

6. Expansion of Nuclear Capacity

• The government plans to expand India’s nuclear power capacity from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32.
• Ten new reactors, totaling 8,000 MW, will be constructed across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Additionally, the Kovvada project in Andhra Pradesh, involving a collaboration with the USA, will include the establishment of six 1,208 MW reactors.

7. Recent Achievements in Nuclear Energy

• On September 19, 2024, Unit-7 of the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP-7) achieved criticality, marking a significant milestone in indigenous nuclear technology development.
• The discovery of new uranium deposits at the Jaduguda Mines will extend the life of this important resource by more than fifty years.
• The first two units of the 700 MWe PHWR at Kakrapar, Gujarat, began commercial operation in FY 2023-24, adding to the country’s growing nuclear capacity.

8. Safety and Environmental Commitment

• India’s nuclear facilities operate with stringent safety standards and international oversight to ensure public health and environmental protection.
• The government remains committed to achieving net-zero emissions while ensuring reliable energy security for the future.
• India’s nuclear policy focuses on sustainable, clean, and safe energy production.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Union Budget 2025-26 What Nuclear Power Sector Gets?
Nuclear Energy Mission	Launch of Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat to achieve 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047.
Research & Development (R&D)	₹20,000 crore allocated for the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Aim to develop five indigenous SMRs by 2033.
Legislative Amendments	Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act to encourage private sector participation.
Private Sector Involvement	Private sector collaboration on Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs), SMR development, and new nuclear technologies.
Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs)	220 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) for industrial applications. Focus on reducing land requirements and increasing safety.
Nuclear Capacity Expansion	Expansion from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32. Ten new reactors across various states.
Recent Achievements	Criticality achieved at RAPP-7 (Sept 2024), uranium discovery at Jaduguda Mines, and commercial operation of 700 MWe PHWR at Kakrapar.
Safety and Environmental Goals	Commitment to stringent safety standards and achieving net-zero emissions. Focus on clean, reliable, and sustainable nuclear energy.
Future Technologies	Development of High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors (HTGRs) and Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) for hydrogen production and thorium utilization.