Government Unveils Nuclear Energy Mission in Union Budget 2025-26

As part of the larger vision of Viksit Bharat, the Indian government has introduced the Nuclear Energy Mission in the Union Budget 2025-26. This initiative aims to enhance energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels by expanding the country's nuclear power capacity.

Key Aspects of the Nuclear Energy MissionTarget:
India plans to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power generation capacity by 2047, a significant leap from the current capacity of approximately 8 GW.

Emphasis on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): The government has earmarked ₹20,000 crore for research and development of indigenous SMRs, with a goal of deploying five operational SMRs by 2033.

Encouraging Private Sector Involvement:
Amendments to existing legislation will pave the way for greater private participation in the nuclear sector. Key laws under revision include:

• Atomic Energy Act, 1962: Governs the development, regulation, and utilization of atomic energy in India.
• Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010: Ensures timely compensation for those affected by nuclear incidents by holding the operator accountable.

Government Strategies to Strengthen India’s Nuclear Power Capacity

• Infrastructure Expansion: The government has initiated the construction of 10 nuclear reactors with a total capacity of 8 GW across states including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Indigenous Achievements: The Rajasthan Atomic Power Project’s Unit-7 (RAPP-7), one of India's largest homegrown reactors, reached criticality in 2024, marking a major milestone in indigenous nuclear technology.
• Development of Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs): The government is advancing nuclear energy expansion through the Bharat Small Reactors initiative and exploring collaborations with private enterprises. These reactors, with a capacity of 220 MW, operate as Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), known for their reliability and strong safety track record.

Union Budget 2025: Rationalizing the Customs Tariff Structure
In addition to launching the Nuclear Energy Mission, the budget also proposes a streamlined customs tariff framework to promote efficiency in the nuclear sector and related industries.

Understanding Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)Definition:
SMRs are next-generation nuclear reactors with a capacity of up to 300 MW per unit, roughly one-third the size of traditional nuclear reactors.
Key Advantages of SMRs:

• Modular Construction: SMRs are prefabricated in factories and transported to their respective sites for installation.
• Scalability: They can be deployed in single or multiple units, allowing for incremental expansion based on energy demand.
• Economic & Environmental Benefits: SMRs reduce upfront investment costs and offer the potential to integrate seamlessly with renewable energy sources, promoting a sustainable energy ecosystem.

The Nuclear Energy Mission is set to play a pivotal role in India's clean energy transition, reinforcing the nation's commitment to achieving energy self-sufficiency while reducing its carbon footprint.

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