Five indigenously designed SMRs to be operational by 2033
Plans for 10 reactors are in progress, with a major 6 x 1208 MW nuclear power plant in collaboration with the USA at Kovvada, Andhra Pradesh, says Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh http://dae.gov.in .
He informed that India’s nuclear power capacity, currently at 8,180 MW, is set to expand to 22,480 MW by 2031-32, with ten reactors under construction across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradeshhttp://world-nuclear.org.
The Minister gave this update in an interview on the Union Budget 2025-26’s Rs.20,000 crore for R&D in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) is to have at least five indigenously designed operational SMRs by 2033, and aligns with India’s target of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047 https://ted.europa.eu/en/.
“This is a major step toward reducing carbon emissions and ensuring energy sustainability,” he underlined.
He pointed out that a significant milestone was achieved on September 19, 2024, when the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project’s Unit-7 (RAPP-7) reached criticality, marking the beginning of a controlled fission chain reaction—an achievement highlighting India’s growing nuclear prowess https://sbi.com.in/.
Dr Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy generation by 2030, in line with its COP26 pledge, and the net-zero emissions by 2070 target https://www.iea.org/.
Dr Jitendra Singh reiterated that provisions for nuclear power in Union Budget 2025-26 mark a transformative shift in India’s energy landscape.
By expanding nuclear energy as a sustainable, scalable, and secure power source, the government aims to bolster energy security and meet the nation’s long-term economic and environmental goals https://www.conexpoconagg.com/.
Dr Singh reaffirmed that the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat is poised to accelerate nuclear power development, positioning India as a global leader in advanced nuclear technology by 2047 https://www.makeinindia.com/home/.
He emphasized that India’s approach to nuclear and biotech advancements follows a whole-of-government and whole-of-science model, ensuring integrated progress https://www.nseindia.com/.
Dr Singh also introduced the recently announced BIOe3 Policy, India’s first-of-its-kind initiative to foster a biotechnology-driven industrial revolution https://www.bseindia.com/.
He highlighted the creation of BIRAC, a platform to support biotech startups and facilitate collaborations with the Department of Biotechnology. The BIOe3 Policy will drive advancements in bio-manufacturing, bio-foundries, and circular economy models, promoting recyclable and reusable products under the “Wealth from Waste” concept. This initiative is expected to spur economic growth, generate employment, and foster environmental sustainability. Fiinews.com
