UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28th March 2025

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India’s Nuclear Energy Push: 100 GW Target By 2047 With Private Sector Entry

Why in News?

India has unveiled an ambitious plan to generate 100 GW (gigawatts) of nuclear energy by 2047, signaling a significant shift in its energy strategy.
A key aspect of this initiative is the decision to open the nuclear sector to private players, a move that was previously unprecedented.

Government Commitment and Policy Initiatives

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, highlighted the strategic importance of nuclear mission in the Rajya Sabha.

He emphasized that nuclear energy is projected to contribute 10% of India’s total energy needs by 2047.
To support this goal, the government has significantly increased budgetary allocations for nuclear power, with a 170% rise in funding for the Department of Atomic Energy since 2014.
The 2024-25 budget allocated ₹20,000 crore for the indigenous development of at least five Bharat Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

Role of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

A crucial component of India’s nuclear energy expansion is the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with capacities ranging from 16 MW to 300 MW. These reactors offer several advantages, including:

Suitability for remote and industrial areas
Reduced construction time and cost
Enhanced safety features compared to conventional reactors
Lower environmental footprint

By integrating SMRs into India’s energy infrastructure, the government aims to provide reliable and clean electricity to underserved regions while making significant strides toward the country’s net-zero carbon emissions target by 2070.

International Collaborations and Indigenous Development

India is strengthening its nuclear capabilities through strategic collaborations with countries like France and the United States. These partnerships aim to advance nuclear technology while ensuring a strong focus on indigenous research and development. The National Research Foundation, which receives 60-70% of its funding from non-government sources, is expected to play a pivotal role in accelerating nuclear research and innovation in the country.

Thorium Utilization and Revitalization of Projects

India holds 21% of the world’s thorium reserves, a resource that could significantly boost the country’s long-term nuclear energy potential. The government is actively working on:

Expediting projects like the Bhavini reactor and Kudankulam nuclear plant
Reviving stalled nuclear energy initiatives
Promoting advanced research on thorium-based reactors

These efforts reflect India’s commitment to enhancing energy security while leveraging indigenous resources for sustainable power generation.

Private Sector Participation: A Paradigm Shift

The decision to allow private sector involvement in nuclear energy marks a major departure from past policies. Historically, India’s nuclear program was tightly controlled by the government due to security and regulatory concerns. The inclusion of private players is expected to:

Accelerate technological advancements
Attract investments in nuclear infrastructure
Foster competition and efficiency in the sector

This transformation aligns with global trends where private enterprises contribute significantly to nuclear energy development.

Conclusion

India’s nuclear energy mission is set to play a transformative role in ensuring a stable and sustainable power supply for the future. With strong government backing, increased funding, strategic international collaborations, and private sector participation, the country is poised to achieve its 100 GW nuclear energy target by 2047. This initiative not only reinforces India’s position as a leader in clean energy solutions but also addresses the growing electricity demand in an environmentally responsible manner.