What happened?
India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget on February 01, 2025, announced a bold target of developing 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity by 2047, with a strong emphasis on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), marking a strategic shift towards sustainable and clean energy solutions.
Why it matters to India:
The 100 GW nuclear power target is part of India’s broader vision to achieve energy security while reducing carbon emissions. The announcement of this major initiative in the Union Budget is designed to foster India’s energy transition efforts and move the country closer to its long-term goal of net-zero emissions by 2070. Introducing SMRs is central to this strategy, as they promise safer, more cost-effective, and scalable nuclear power generation. The government plans to amend the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act to accelerate the growth of India’s nuclear power sector. These amendments aim to encourage greater private sector participation, which will be essential for scaling up the nuclear energy infrastructure.
By setting ambitious goals for nuclear power, the government is signalling its commitment to reducing the nation’s carbon footprint and investing in clean energy solutions. While challenges remain in terms of implementing these plans, the focus on SMRs and the increased private sector involvement are expected to pave the way for a more sustainable, resilient energy system.
