In a significant step towards India’s clean energy transition, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the launch of a Nuclear Energy Mission during her Union Budget 2025 presentation. The mission aims to develop at least 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear energy by 2047, aligning with India’s broader vision of becoming a developed nation under the “Viksit Bharat” initiative.
In her speech, Sitharaman stated, “The Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat aims to develop at least 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047, which is essential for our energy transition efforts.”
To achieve this ambitious target, the government plans to amend critical legislation, including the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, to facilitate greater private sector participation. Currently, nuclear energy production in India is primarily managed by government-run entities. By opening the sector to private investment, the government hopes to accelerate nuclear power projects and increase clean energy generation.
A key focus of the mission will be the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)—compact, cost-effective nuclear reactors that offer scalable energy solutions. Sitharaman allocated Rs 20,000 crore for research and development in SMRs, which are seen as a promising technology to meet India’s growing energy needs while ensuring safety and efficiency. The government expects at least five indigenously developed SMRs to be operational by 2033.
“Under the Nuclear Energy Mission for Research and Development, at least five indigenously developed small modular nuclear reactors will be operationalized by 2033,” said Sitharaman.
This bold move is set to bolster India’s nuclear energy capabilities and significantly reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels. With a target of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047, India aims to position itself as a global leader in nuclear energy while providing a stable, low-carbon electricity supply to fuel its growing economy.