Category: Energy & Resources | Infrastructure | Indian Current Affairs
Published by: IndianCurrentAffairs.com
Date: June 2025
🔋 Introduction: Bihar Joins India’s Nuclear Energy Surge
In a landmark development, the Indian government has announced that Bihar will host its first nuclear power plant, leveraging cutting-edge Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology. This move is part of India’s ambitious plan to expand its nuclear energy capacity and bring advanced clean power infrastructure to the eastern region.
📘 What Is the Nuclear Energy Mission?
Announced under the Union Budget 2025–26, India’s Nuclear Energy Mission aims to position the country as a global leader in clean and safe nuclear power. Key targets include:
- Adding 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047
- Developing indigenous SMR technology to enable modular, scalable nuclear infrastructure
- Encouraging private sector participation in construction, technology, and operation of nuclear plants
SMRs are compact nuclear reactors with a capacity of up to 300 MW. They are factory-built, safer to operate, quicker to install, and suitable for smaller regions or industrial zones.
🇮🇳 Why Bihar Was Selected
The choice of Bihar as the site for India’s first SMR-based nuclear power plant highlights the government’s intent to decentralize nuclear infrastructure and promote balanced regional development. Key reasons for Bihar’s selection include:
- Availability of land and infrastructure support
- Energy deficit in eastern India, needing reliable baseload power
- Potential to support industrial clusters and urban growth
- Strategic move to introduce nuclear energy outside of southern and western zones
This will be the first major nuclear installation in eastern India, breaking new ground for the region.
🚧 What To Expect from the Bihar SMR Project
The proposed nuclear power plant in Bihar will feature:
- An indigenously developed Small Modular Reactor designed by Indian agencies such as BARC and NPCIL
- 200 MW capacity using passive safety features and modular construction
- Potential collaboration with private Indian companies for manufacturing, civil works, and operations
- Faster deployment timelines compared to conventional nuclear plants
Construction is expected to begin by 2027 after environmental and safety clearances, with commissioning targeted in the early 2030s.
🌱 Environmental and Economic Benefits
The SMR initiative offers several key benefits:
- Supports India’s net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2070
- Replaces older, polluting coal-based power plants
- Provides reliable energy for underserved areas and industries
- Ensures energy independence and security for the long term
SMRs also have a lower environmental footprint and can be deployed closer to consumption centers, reducing transmission losses.
🧩 Role of the Private Sector
As part of reforms in the nuclear sector, the Indian government is exploring ways to allow private participation in:
- Component manufacturing
- Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC)
- Grid integration and financing models
Large Indian companies in the power and infrastructure sectors are showing interest in contributing to SMR deployment, subject to policy and legislative updates.
🔭 Strategic and Global Perspective
India is aligning its nuclear ambitions with global trends. Collaborations are underway with leading countries for:
- Technology transfer and joint design
- Human resource training
- Strategic supply chain partnerships
By entering the SMR space, India is preparing to play a leadership role in the global clean energy transition and build long-term export capabilities.
✅ Conclusion: A Turning Point for Bihar and Indian Nuclear Energy
Bihar’s entry into the nuclear energy map of India is historic. It not only marks technological progress but also symbolizes inclusive regional development. The deployment of SMR technology in Bihar has the potential to:
- Bridge energy access gaps
- Power industrialization and job creation
- Contribute to India’s leadership in safe, scalable, and sustainable energy solutions
As India moves toward a 100 GW nuclear capacity target by 2047, Bihar’s nuclear project is set to be a critical milestone.