Page 45 - NIS English 16-30 September, 2025

Nuclear energy | SPECIAL REPORT

Mission, which focuses on research Recent developments
and development of small modular
reactors. The government has allocated in the field of the
Rs 20,000 crore for this initiative, which nuclear power sector…
aims to develop at least five indigenously
designed and operational small modular n India's oldest uranium mine, Jadugoda Mines:
reactors by 2033. This mission is in align- Significant discovery of new reserves in and around the
ment with India’s commitment to achieve existing mine lease area. This will increase the life of
the mine by more than 50 years.
100 gigawatt nuclear power capacity by
the year 2047, which will prove to be a n First two units of 700 MW PHWR: Commercial
milestone in reducing carbon emissions operation started in FY 2023-24.
and meeting future energy demands. n Country's first Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor
Not only this, it has also been decided (PFBR 500 MW): Many milestones achieved in 2024.
that the government is also considering Prominent among them are filling of primary sodium,
amendments to the Atomic Energy Act purification of filled sodium, and commissioning of all
and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage four sodium pumps (2 primary sodium pumps and 2
Act to facilitate the implementation secondary sodium pumps).
of the Nuclear Energy Mission. These n NPCIL and National Thermal Power Corporation
amendments are expected to boost (NTPC): Signing of supplementary joint venture
private sector investment in nuclear agreement for the development of nuclear power
power projects. facilities in the country.
n Resulting in the construction, ownership, and operation
PARTNERSHIP WITH THE of nuclear power plants, including 4 x 700 MW PHWR
PRIVATE SECTOR TO ACHIEVE Mahi-Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project.
THESE OBJECTIVES
n Establishment of India’s Small Reactors.
n Research and Development of India’s
Small Modular Reactor.
n Research and Development of New
Technologies for Nuclear Energy.

Minister of State for the Department
of Atomic Energy and Department of
Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, said India’s
nuclear energy journey initiated by
Dr Homi Bhabha was often met with
scepticism at the domestic and inter-
national levels due to restrictive global
policies and misplaced fears of nuclear
proliferation. However, since 2014, India
has undergone a sea change under the
leadership of Prime Minister Narendra
Modi, and its nuclear energy programme
has gained greater acceptance as a key
component of clean and sustainable
power generation. Dr Singh pointed out

September 16-30, 2025 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 43