Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat
Understanding Viksit Bharat 2047 and Its Energy Goals
Viksit Bharat 2047 represents the Indian government’s vision to transform the nation into a developed economy by 2047, marking the centenary of independence. This vision, as outlined in various government initiatives like
the MyGov portal (Ideas for the Vision Viksit Bharat@2047), encompasses economic prosperity, social advancement, environmental sustainability, and effective governance.
- A critical component of this vision is achieving sustainable energy goals to meet the rising energy demand while aligning with global climate commitments, such as India’s pledge at COP26 to reach net zero emissions by 2070 (India’s Statement at Nuclear Energy Summit Brussels 2024).
- Nuclear energy, with its potential for clean, reliable, and high-density power generation, is central to this strategy, supporting energy security, reducing carbon emissions, and boosting economic growth.
The Significance of Nuclear Energy in India’s Development
- Nuclear energy offers several advantages that make it a cornerstone of India’s clean energy strategy. It has a high energy density, meaning a small amount of nuclear fuel can generate significant electricity, as noted in discussions on nuclear power viability.
- It emits virtually no greenhouse gases during operation, aligning with India’s clean energy goals and its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement (India’s Nuclear Power Capacity).
- This is crucial for reducing reliance on fossil fuels, which currently dominate India’s energy mix.
- Additionally, nuclear energy enhances energy security by reducing dependence on imported coal and oil, and its reliability—operating continuously for long periods—ensures a stable power supply, vital for industrial and economic growth.
Current Nuclear Energy Capacity and Future Expansion Plans
As of February 2025, India operates 23 nuclear reactors across eight nuclear power plants, with an installed capacity of approximately 7.5 GW, generating about 48.2 TWh in 2023, contributing around 3% to total electricity (Nuclear Power in India – World Nuclear Association). Major operational sites include Tarapur, Kudankulam, and Kaiga, with details available at (List of Nuclear Power Plants in India 2022).
The government has set ambitious targets, aiming for 22.5 GW by 2031 and 100 GW by 2047, as announced in the Union Budget 2025-26. Future plans include constructing 18 more reactors by 2032, with projects like Kaiga units V
and VI, Gorakhpur, and Chutka in the pipeline. International collaborations, such as with Russia for Kudankulam and potential partnerships with France for Jaitapur, are integral to these expansions.
Government Policies and Initiatives Under the Nuclear Energy Mission
The Nuclear Energy Mission, launched in the Union Budget 2025-26 with a ₹20,000 crore allocation, marks a significant step toward enhancing nuclear capacity. This mission focuses on research and development of small modular reactors (SMRs), aiming for five operational by 2033, and includes plans for Bharat Small Reactors (BSR) and Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMR).
The government is also promoting public-private partnerships, with companies like Reliance Industries and Tata Power potentially investing, to increase funding and foster competition. Regulatory reforms, such as amendments
to the Atomic Energy Act and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, are proposed to encourage private sector participation, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ vision (Union Budget 2025: Reactor plan not enriched with funds – The Hindu).
Challenges in Nuclear Energy Development and Strategies to Overcome Them
Despite its potential, nuclear energy development in India faces several challenges. Safety concerns, highlighted by global incidents like Fukushima, remain a priority, with strategies focusing on incorporating passive safety features and adhering to international standards (Nuclear Energy & Challenge for India | Electrical India Magazine).
Infrastructure limitations, such as the need for advanced manufacturing capabilities, are being addressed through public-private partnerships and localization efforts (Nuclear Power in India – World Nuclear Association). Public perception, often negative due to fears of nuclear accidents, is being tackled through awareness campaigns and
transparency in safety records.
High initial costs and uranium dependency, given limited domestic reserves, are mitigated by international agreements for uranium supply and investments in thorium-based technologies, part of India’s three-stage nuclear program. Technological challenges, such as developing fast breeder reactors, are being addressed through R&D, with the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam as a test bed.
Also Read: New Schemes for Union Budget 2025-26
Conclusion: Linking Nuclear Energy to a Self-Reliant, Energy-Efficient Viksit Bharat
Nuclear energy is poised to be a cornerstone of India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat 2047, offering a pathway to energy security by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, aligning with global climate goals by minimizing
carbon emissions, and driving economic growth through job creation and technological innovation.
The Nuclear Energy Mission, with its focus on SMRs and international collaboration, supports a self-reliant and energy-efficient future. By addressing challenges through strategic initiatives, India can harness nuclear
power to build a prosperous, sustainable nation, fulfilling the vision of a developed India by 2047.