Context

Bihar is poised to host its first nuclear power plant, joining five other states selected under the National Nuclear Energy Mission. This move marks a significant step toward diversifying India’s energy mix and enhancing regional energy security.

Key Highlights

• Strategic Energy Expansion: The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s broader goal to promote clean, reliable, and indigenous energy solutions, including nuclear and renewable sources.
• Advanced Technology Adoption: Bihar will also benefit from the integration of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)—compact, scalable nuclear technologies.
• Grid Support Project: The government has approved a 1,000 MW battery energy storage system in Bihar to boost grid reliability and support renewable integration.
  • Viability Gap Funding: ?18 lakh per MW will be provided to support this project.

Understanding Nuclear Energy

• Nuclear Energy is generated through fission (splitting of heavy atomic nuclei like uranium or plutonium) or fusion (merging of atomic nuclei).
• In power plants, fission is the primary process, producing large amounts of energy to generate electricity.

What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)?

SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors with capacities up to 300 MW(e)—about a third of traditional reactors.

• Small: Physically much smaller than conventional reactors.
• Modular: Factory-built and transportable for easier on-site assembly.
• Reactor: Uses nuclear fission to generate heat and electricity.

Types of SMRs:

1. Light Water
2. High-Temperature Gas
3. Liquid Metal
4. Molten Salt

Advantages:

• Enhanced Safety: Use of passive safety systems like gravity-based cooling.
• Scalability: Modular design allows for phased capacity addition.
• Remote Application: Suitable for off-grid and remote areas.
• Lower Cost & Time: Faster deployment due to prefabrication.

India’s Nuclear Energy Mission

• Target Capacity: Expand nuclear capacity from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031–32.
• Long-Term Goal: Achieve 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047.
• Current Projects: Construction of 10 new reactors (8,000 MW total) underway in:
  • Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
• International Cooperation:
  • Kovvada, Andhra Pradesh: In-principle approval for 6×1,208 MW reactors in collaboration with the United States.
• Private Sector Participation:
  • Proposed amendments to:
    • Atomic Energy Act, 1962
    • Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010
  • Aim: Facilitate development of Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) and Bharat SMRs (BSMRs).
• SMR Development:
  • Allocation of ?20,000 crore for R&D.
  • Goal: Commission five operational SMRs by 2033.

Recent Developments in India’s Nuclear Sector

• Jaduguda (Jharkhand): Discovery of a new uranium deposit near India’s oldest uranium mine.
• Rajasthan Atomic Power Project-7 (RAPP-7):
  • Achieved criticality on Sept 19, 2024—third indigenous reactor to do so.
• Kakrapar Units 3 & 4:
  • 700 MWe PHWRs commenced commercial operation in FY 2023–24.
• Kalpakkam PFBR (500 MWe):
  • Achieved major milestones in 2024, including core loading and pump commissioning.

Conclusion

The establishment of Bihar’s first nuclear power plant underlines India's commitment to a low-carbon energy future. With strategic investments in SMRs, battery storage, and large-scale nuclear projects, India is positioning itself as a leader in next-generation nuclear energy.