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2mo ago

India Announces Nuclear Energy Mission to Drive Transition to Clean Energy

Union Budget 2025 outlines ambitious plans for 100 GW nuclear energy by 2047, private sector involvement, and key legislative amendments.

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presenting the Union budget. (PTI)
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The proposal to amend nuclear liability law to boost foreign and private investments in the much-guarded sector comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's US visit, likely to happen this month.

Overview

  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a ₹20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission to promote research and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
  • The government plans to amend the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act to enable private and foreign investment in nuclear energy.
  • India aims to develop 100 GW of nuclear energy capacity by 2047 as part of its energy transition and net-zero carbon emissions target by 2070.
  • The budget also proposes customs duty exemptions on critical minerals for nuclear and renewable energy technologies to boost domestic manufacturing and resource availability.
  • Critics warn of safety, waste management, and security risks associated with nuclear power, urging greater focus on expanding renewable energy sources like wind and solar.