The government has proposed an outlay of Rs 20,000 crore to set up research and development of small modular reactors as part of its nuclear energy mission, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said while presenting the Union Budget for 2025-26 on Feb. 1.
This is part of the government's nuclear energy mission for Viksit Bharat, which is aimed at the development of at least 100 gigawatts of nuclear energy by 2047. This is essential towards India's energy transition efforts, Sitharaman said.
"For an active participation with the private sector towards this goal and amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Energy Act will be taken up," she said.
A nuclear energy mission for research and development of small modular reactors with an outlay of Rs 20,000 crore will be set up and at least five indigenously developed reactors will be operationalised by 2033, she said.
This has come as the Economic Survey for 2025-26 on Friday said that India must prioritise investment in extensive grid infrastructure improvements and sourcing of critical minerals to strengthen its renewable energy initiatives.
Despite India's efforts in reducing the emissions intensity of its energy consumption, the growth of renewable energy faces substantial hurdles, particularly in energy storage technologies and the sourcing of critical minerals necessary for this transition.
While alternative solutions, such as green hydrogen, present a viable option for the medium term, affordability issues remain a significant barrier to widespread adoption.
"Furthermore, although nuclear energy could contribute to India's energy mix, its expansion is impeded by a lack of a supportive ecosystem and the monopolistic nature of nuclear fuel supply chains," the survey said.
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