Nuclear Power in Union Budget 2025-26

IN NEWS: Nuclear Power in Union Budget 2025-26

ANALYSIS

1. Strategic Push for Nuclear Energy

• The Union Budget 2025-26 places nuclear energy at the centre of India’s long-term clean energy transition.
• The government targets 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, making nuclear a core pillar of India’s energy mix.
• This aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.

2. Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat

• A dedicated Nuclear Energy Mission has been introduced to scale domestic nuclear capabilities.
• Focus areas:
  • Development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
  • Promotion of indigenous nuclear technology
  • Facilitating private sector participation
• The government will amend the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act to enable private investment.

3. Key Data Points

• India’s nuclear capacity (as of 30 January 2025): 8,180 MW
• Target: 100 GW by 2047
• Budget allocation for SMR R&D: ₹20,000 crore
• Goal: At least 5 indigenous SMRs operational by 2033

4. Development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

• SMRs are central to the nuclear expansion strategy due to:
  • Modular construction
  • Lower land requirements
  • Suitability for remote areas and repurposing coal plants
• BARC is developing SMRs for remote deployment and coal plant repurposing.
• These reactors can support grid stability and complement renewable sources.

5. Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs)

• BSRs are 220 MW PHWRs, known for safety and efficiency.
• Upgraded designs reduce land footprint and enable deployment near industrial clusters.
• Private partners will provide land, cooling water, and capital; NPCIL will handle design, QA, and operations.
• Supports India's COP26 commitments:
  • 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030
  • 50% electricity from renewables

6. Upcoming Reactor Projects

• Expansion plan to increase nuclear capacity from 8,180 MW → 22,480 MW by 2031-32.
• 10 reactors (8,000 MW) under construction in:
  • Gujarat
  • Rajasthan
  • Tamil Nadu
  • Haryana
  • Karnataka
  • Madhya Pradesh
• Pre-project activities for 10 additional reactors initiated.
• Kovvada (AP): In-principle approval for 6 × 1208 MW reactors in cooperation with the USA.

7. Recent Milestones

• RAPP-7 (Rajasthan) achieved criticality on 19 September 2024, marking progress in indigenous PHWR technology.
• Kakrapar Units 3 & 4 (700 MWe PHWRs) began commercial operations in FY 2023–24.
• Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR 500 MWe) achieved key progress including sodium filling, purification, and commencement of core loading (March 2024).

8. Safety and International Standards

• India maintains strong nuclear safety norms with radiation levels below global benchmarks.
• Emphasis on safe, reliable, long-term nuclear operations.

9. Strengthening Fuel Security

• Discovery of new deposits in Jaduguda Uranium Mines, extending mine life by over 50 years.
• Strengthens uranium availability for long-term energy planning.

10. Institutional Collaboration

• NPCIL and NTPC have formed a joint venture ASHVINI to develop nuclear power plants, functioning under existing laws.
• Will build, own, and operate nuclear facilities, including the 4×700 MWe Mahi-Banswara project.

11. Broader Significance

• Nuclear expansion contributes to:
  • Clean energy transition
  • Grid stability
  • Reduced carbon emissions
  • Long-term energy security
• Supports India’s global positioning in advanced nuclear technologies by 2047.

STATIC POINTERS

• Atomic Energy Act 1962 (Amended 2015): Governs nuclear power development and regulation.
• PHWR Technology: Backbones India’s indigenous nuclear program.
• Fast Breeder Reactors: Key to India’s three-stage nuclear program, utilizing thorium in the long term.
• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): 30–300+ MWe reactors designed for modular deployment.
  
  Updated – 03 Feb 2025 ; 06:53 PM | PIB (https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2099244)