In a landmark move, the Union Budget 2025-26 has introduced the “Nuclear Mission,” signaling a transformative shift in India’s energy landscape. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, in an exclusive media interaction, highlighted the pivotal role of nuclear power in ensuring India’s energy security and achieving self-sufficiency in energy production.
As the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and key departments such as Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Singh underscored the government’s forward-looking approach to expanding India’s nuclear energy sector. He emphasized that nuclear power will emerge as a major source of energy, aligning with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Private Sector Participation: A Revolutionary Step
One of the most groundbreaking decisions in the budget is the opening of the nuclear energy sector for private sector participation. For the past 60-70 years, this sector operated under secrecy, but with the new policy, greater openness and collaboration are expected to drive growth and innovation. Dr. Singh drew parallels with the successful privatization of the space sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing confidence that similar transformative changes would unfold in the nuclear domain.
Major Allocations and Nuclear Energy Expansion
The budget has earmarked ₹20,000 crore for research and development in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), aiming to have at least five indigenously designed operational SMRs by 2033. This is a significant step toward India’s ambitious target of achieving 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047, which will contribute to reducing carbon emissions and ensuring energy sustainability.
India’s current nuclear power capacity stands at 8,180 MW, with plans to expand it to 22,480 MW by 2031-32. The government is actively constructing ten new reactors across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, while ten additional reactors are in the pipeline. A major collaboration with the United States is also set to establish a 6 x 1208 MW nuclear power plant in Kovvada, Andhra Pradesh.
Key Milestones in India’s Nuclear Journey
Dr. Singh highlighted a recent milestone in India’s nuclear journey: on September 19, 2024, the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project’s Unit-7 (RAPP-7) reached criticality, marking the beginning of a controlled fission chain reaction. This achievement underscores India’s growing expertise in nuclear technology and its ability to enhance domestic nuclear capabilities.
Aligning with Global Energy Commitments
India is committed to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy generation by 2030, in line with its COP26 pledge and Prime Minister Modi’s vision for net-zero emissions by 2070. Dr. Singh reiterated that India’s nuclear energy expansion will play a crucial role in this transition, reducing dependence on petroleum imports and fostering clean, sustainable energy solutions.
The BIOe3 Policy: A Biotechnology Revolution
Apart from nuclear energy advancements, Dr. Singh introduced the BIOe3 Policy, India’s first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at fostering a biotechnology-driven industrial revolution. This policy supports bio-manufacturing, bio-foundries, and circular economy models under the “Wealth from Waste” concept. India has already made notable progress in biotechnology, including the development of its first antibiotic, Nafithromycin, and the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine.
A New Era for India’s Energy Security
Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by reaffirming that the provisions for nuclear power in the Union Budget 2025-26 mark a defining moment in India’s energy trajectory. By scaling up nuclear energy as a sustainable and secure power source, the government aims to strengthen energy security, support economic growth, and enhance environmental sustainability. The Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat is set to position India as a global leader in advanced nuclear technology by 2047, paving the way for a self-reliant and energy-secure future.
