India’s Nuclear Power Expansion Plans

1. The government is actively increasing nuclear energy capacity.
2. Current installed capacity: 8.18 GW
3. Target for 2032: Tripling capacity
    

Ongoing and Planned Nuclear Projects
 

1. 1. 7.3 GW of nuclear power capacity is under construction.
   2. 7 GW is under implementation (at the pre-project stage).
   3. Total planned capacity: 14.3 GW.
       

Challenges in Nuclear Power Development
 

1. 1. Site selection and land acquisition.
   2. Rehabilitation and resettlement of affected populations.
   3. Environmental clearances and regulatory approvals.
   4. High upfront costs of reactors.
   5. Dependence on imported nuclear fuel.
       

Government’s Shift to Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
 

1. 1. Due to limited large land parcels, the government is focusing on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
   2. Union Budget FY26 announced a mission to deploy 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047.
       

Objectives of the Nuclear Mission
 

1. 1. Provide a reliable alternative to fossil fuels.
   2. Replace retiring thermal power plants.
   3. Set up captive plants for energy-intensive industries.
   4. Supply energy to remote and off-grid locations.
   5. Decarbonize India’s energy sector.
       

New Reactor Technologies in Development
 

1. 1. Bharat Small Modular Reactor – 200MWe.
   2. Small Modular Reactor (SMR) – 55MWe.
   3. Gas-cooled High-Temperature Reactors (HTRs) for hydrogen production.
       

Budget Allocation for SMRs
 

• • ₹20,000 crore allocated in FY26 budget for deploying 5 SMRs by 2033.
     

Addressing Private Supplier Concerns
 

1. 6. A task force is reviewing the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act to resolve issues raised by private nuclear suppliers.
       

Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR)
 

1. 1. The Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR) is a 200 MWe small modular nuclear reactor developed by India’s Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
   2. It is part of India’s nuclear energy expansion plan to provide a clean, reliable, and decentralized power source.
       

Technology & Development
 

1. 1. Developed by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) under Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology.
   2. Designed for flexibility, safety, and efficiency, with a compact, scalable, and low-cost nuclear power solution.
       

Fuel Type & Cooling System
 

1. 1. Uses Slightly Enriched Uranium (SEU) or Thorium-based fuel as its primary fuel source.
   2. Slightly Enriched Uranium (SEU):
      1. Enriched up to 2-5% uranium-235 (compared to natural uranium at ~0.7%).
      2. Provides higher efficiency and longer fuel cycles than natural uranium.
   3. Thorium-Based Fuel:
      1. India has large thorium reserves, making this a sustainable alternative.
      2. Can be used in advanced nuclear fuel cycles for lower radioactive waste.
   4. Cooling System:

Uses advanced passive cooling mechanisms to prevent overheating and improve safety.
 

Key Features & Advantages
 

1. 1. Compact & Modular Design: Can be installed in smaller grids, industrial zones, and remote areas.
   2. Lower Capital Investment: Reduces cost compared to large nuclear plants.
   3. Enhanced Safety Features:
      1. Passive cooling eliminates reliance on active systems.
      2. Modular construction ensures easy scalability and maintenance.

4Fuel Flexibility: Can operate on SEU for efficiency or thorium for sustainability.
 

Deployment Plans
 

1. 1. Part of India’s 100 GW nuclear energy expansion by 2047.
   2. ₹20,000 crore allocated for the deployment of five SMRs by 2033.
   3. Will replace aging thermal power plants, provide energy for industries, and power off-grid locations.
       

Strategic Importance
 

1. 1. Energy Security: Reduces dependence on imported nuclear fuel and fossil fuels.
   2. Climate Goals: Supports India’s net-zero emissions target and clean energy transition.
   3. Industrial & Defense Applications:
      1. Suitable for high-energy industries, remote military bases, and isolated regions.
      2. Potential hydrogen production using high-temperature reactors.

 

Also Read
UPSC Foundation Course	UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Monthly Magazine	CSAT Foundation Course
Free MCQs for UPSC Prelims	UPSC Test Series
ENSURE IAS NOTES	Our Booklist