Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat
Key Points: - Objective: Establish nuclear energy as a major power source for India; promote private sector participation in nuclear energy - Announced: February 1, 2025 in Union Budget 2025-26 - Budget: ₹20,000 crore for R&D of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) - Target: At least 5 indigenously developed SMRs operational by 2033 - Capacity Goals: Current 8,780 MW to 21,880 MW by 2031-32; 100 GW by 2047 - SMR Technology: Up to 300 MW reactors, factory-built, scalable for remote and grid-connected areas - Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs): 220 MW PHWRs with proven safety record - Legislative Reforms: Amendments to Atomic Energy Act and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act for private sector partnership - Current Projects: 10 reactors under construction in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh; 10 more planned - Implementing Ministry: Department of Atomic Energy
- Nuclear Energy Mission announced in Union Budget 2025-26 with ₹20,000 crore for R&D of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
- Target: At least 5 indigenously developed SMRs operational by 2033; capacity goals from current 8,780 MW to 21,880 MW by 2031-32 and 100 GW by 2047
- SMR technology: Up to 300 MW reactors, factory-built, scalable for remote and grid-connected areas; Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) at 220 MW PHWRs
- Legislative reforms planned: Amendments to Atomic Energy Act and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act for private sector participation
- 10 reactors currently under construction in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh; 10 more planned
- Implemented by Department of Atomic Energy; promotes private sector partnership in nuclear energy
What is the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat?
It is a mission announced on February 1, 2025 in the Union Budget 2025-26 to establish nuclear energy as a major power source for India and promote private sector participation, implemented by the Department of Atomic Energy.
What is the budget allocated for SMR research?
The Mission allocates ₹20,000 crore for the research and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with a target of at least 5 indigenously developed SMRs operational by 2033.
What are the nuclear capacity goals under the Mission?
The Mission targets raising nuclear capacity from the current 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32, and further to 100 GW by 2047.
What are Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs)?
Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) are 220 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) with a proven safety record. SMR technology covers reactors up to 300 MW that are factory-built and scalable for remote and grid-connected areas.
What legislative reforms are proposed?
The Mission proposes amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act to enable private sector partnership. Currently, 10 reactors are under construction in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, with 10 more planned.
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