Nuclear Energy in India

Key Highlights:

• India's nuclear energy program aims for 100 GW capacity by 2047 under the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat.
• The country currently operates 24 nuclear power reactors with a total installed capacity of 8.78 GW.
• The SHANTI Act, 2025, strengthens the framework for safe and secure expansion of India's nuclear energy program.
• Union Budget 2025–26 allocated ₹20,000 crore for indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
• Nuclear power is India's most carbon-efficient clean energy source, cumulatively avoiding 851 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions since 1969.
• Beyond electricity, nuclear technology supports healthcare, agriculture, food preservation, critical minerals, semiconductors, and green hydrogen production.

Detailed Insights:

• Safety is paramount, with a robust regulatory framework, continuous monitoring, and emergency preparedness, collaborating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
• In healthcare, nuclear technology enables early disease diagnosis, precision cancer treatment, and radiopharmaceutical development by institutions like Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and Tata Memorial Centre (TMC).
• BARC has developed 70 improved crop varieties using radiation-induced mutagenesis, enhancing yields and resilience in agriculture.
• Radiation technology extends the shelf life of agricultural produce, reducing post-harvest losses and aiding exports.
• India released its first Certified Reference Material, Ferrocarbonatite (FC) – BARC B1401, for Rare Earth Elements, boosting critical mineral security.
• An Electronics-grade Boron-11 Enrichment Facility at Talcher supports the India Semiconductor Mission by reducing import dependence.
• India inaugurated the world's first hydrogen production facility using nuclear process heat at Kalpakkam in 2026, supporting the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
• Nuclear plant design follows the Defence in Depth philosophy, incorporating multiple physical barriers and independent backup systems for safety.
• Radiological protection adheres to the ALARA principle (As Low as Reasonably Achievable), with strict occupational dose limits prescribed by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).
• India uses indigenous Vitrification Technology for safe management of high-level radioactive waste, overseen by AERB and the Atomic Energy (Safe Disposal of Radioactive Wastes) Rules, 1987.
• Emergency preparedness is integrated into the National Disaster Management Plan, with mandatory on-site and off-site response plans for nuclear facilities.
• Indian Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) are equipped with independent and diverse shutdown systems and dedicated cooling for enhanced safety.

Key Concepts Involved:

• SHANTI Act, 2025: Legislation strengthening the framework for safe and secure expansion of India's nuclear energy program.
• Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat: A national mission aiming to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Advanced nuclear reactors that are smaller, simpler, and can be factory-built, offering flexibility and reduced construction times.
• ALARA principle: "As Low As Reasonably Achievable" principle for minimizing radiation exposure in nuclear operations.