Budget: India takes bold leap towards clean energy, nuclear energy mission launched

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

In a landmark move towards advancing clean energy and supporting India’s energy transition, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Nuclear Energy Mission during her Union Budget 2025 presentation. This ambitious initiative aligns with India’s broader vision of achieving developed nation status under the “Viksit Bharat” program.

Sitharaman outlined the mission’s primary goal of generating 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear energy by 2047. She emphasized the critical role that nuclear energy will play in India’s sustainable energy future, stating, “Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat Development of at least 100 gigawatt of nuclear energy by 2047 is essential for our energy transition efforts.”

To facilitate the mission’s ambitious target, the government plans to amend critical laws, including the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act. These legal changes are designed to open doors for private sector participation, helping accelerate the development of nuclear energy and strengthen the nation’s clean energy capacity.

Currently, nuclear power generation is largely controlled by state-run entities, but the shift towards private involvement is expected to drive innovation, speed up infrastructure development, and expand India’s nuclear energy footprint.

In addition to large-scale nuclear energy, Sitharaman announced a strong emphasis on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These compact and cost-effective nuclear reactors are designed to be easily scalable, making them a perfect fit for India’s diverse energy needs. The government allocated Rs 20,000 crore for SMR research and development, positioning them as a critical solution for meeting India’s growing energy demands.

By 2033, the government expects at least five indigenously developed SMRs to be operational, marking a significant step forward in self-reliance and energy security.

The Nuclear Energy Mission will not only reduce India’s dependence on fossil fuels but will also contribute to the nation’s broader goal of achieving a low-carbon energy future. By 2047, the initiative aims to make India a global leader in nuclear energy, providing a stable, clean energy supply to support the country’s burgeoning economy.

Sitharaman’s announcement represents a key policy shift, positioning nuclear power as a viable alternative to traditional coal and oil-based power generation. The mission marks an essential step towards realizing India’s long-term energy goals and enhancing its role in global climate leadership.

(Photo courtesy: IANS)