Synopsis
Union Minister Manohar Lal announced that the National Nuclear Energy Initiative will focus on enhancing India's power infrastructure through the development of small modular reactors, aiming for significant clean energy growth by 2047.Key Takeaways
- Investment of Rs 20,000 crore for nuclear energy.
- Goal to operationalize five SMRs by 2033.
- Ambitious target of 100 GW nuclear power by 2047.
- Commitment to enhance power sector efficiency.
- Exemption on critical minerals for battery production.
New Delhi, Feb 1 (NationPress) The government's emphasis on nuclear energy will bolster the nation’s power infrastructure and lessen reliance on traditional sources, stated Union Power and Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal on Saturday.
The introduction of a National Nuclear Energy Initiative in Union Budget 2025, with a budget of Rs 20,000 crore to deploy five small modular reactors (SMRs), designated as Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs), by 2033, is set to revolutionize clean energy efforts.
Applauding the focus on nuclear energy, the minister noted that the aim to generate at least 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047 highlights India’s ambitious yet critical shift towards clean energy.
Expressing support for the National Nuclear Energy Initiative, he pointed out that the Rs 20,000 crore investment in research and development for SMRs represents a substantial advancement.
Additionally, he stressed that the goal of operationalizing at least five domestically developed SMRs by 2033 will enhance India’s energy security and establish its prominence in advanced nuclear technology.
“The Budget 2025-26 signifies a crucial turning point for the power sector, initiating transformative reforms that will propel India’s growth while ensuring a secure, sustainable, resilient, and affordable energy future,” remarked Manohar Lal.
The expansion of nuclear energy capabilities through the development of BSRs was initially announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget 2024, with an allocation of Rs 24,969 crore.
The focus on nuclear energy is set to fortify the nation’s power infrastructure while decreasing reliance on conventional sources.
Manohar Lal also noted that the government's commitment to enhancing the financial and operational stability of electricity distribution companies, along with incentives for improving intra-state transmission capacity, will significantly enhance the power sector’s efficiency.
He mentioned that the announcement regarding the full exemption of scrap from lithium-ion batteries, lead, zinc, and twelve other vital minerals from basic customs duty is a commendable decision.
“This will ensure their availability for battery manufacturing in India and create more job opportunities for our youth,” the minister added.
