Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Highlights Transformative Nuclear Mission to Secure India’s Energy Future
New Delhi: In an exclusive media interview, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh revealed details about the “Nuclear Mission” announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, describing it as a transformative step in reshaping India’s energy landscape. The ambitious initiative aims to position nuclear power as a major source of energy, enhancing India’s energy security and self-sufficiency in energy production.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, who holds multiple key portfolios including the Ministry of Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Atomic Energy, emphasized the critical role of nuclear energy in ensuring long-term energy security for India. He outlined a futuristic roadmap that will drive the sector’s growth, making nuclear power a key contributor to India’s energy mix.
“The Nuclear Mission will revolutionize India’s energy future, enabling nuclear power to become a key pillar of our energy security,” said Dr. Singh. He also highlighted the government’s decision to open the nuclear energy sector to private sector participation, calling it a “revolutionary” move. For decades, the sector had operated under a veil of secrecy, but with greater openness and collaboration, the country is poised to accelerate growth and innovation in nuclear energy, aligning with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Dr. Singh drew a parallel with India’s space sector, which was transformed following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to open it for private players. He expressed confidence that the nuclear energy sector will experience similar progress, leading to major breakthroughs in energy security and technological advancement.
He also acknowledged India’s heavy reliance on petroleum imports and reiterated the government’s commitment to clean and sustainable energy solutions. “Nuclear energy will be a central component of India’s energy strategy, ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable energy future,” Dr. Singh remarked.
A cornerstone of the Nuclear Energy Mission is India’s goal to develop small modular reactors (SMRs). The Union Budget 2025-26 allocated ₹20,000 crore for research and development in SMRs, with a target of having at least five indigenously designed operational SMRs by 2033. This is part of the broader target to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, a key initiative to reduce carbon emissions and promote energy sustainability.
Dr. Singh shared that India’s nuclear power capacity, currently at 8,180 MW, is set to grow significantly, with plans to expand it to 22,480 MW by 2031-32. Ten reactors are under construction across several states, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh. Furthermore, a major 6 x 1208 MW nuclear power plant is planned in Kovvada, Andhra Pradesh, in collaboration with the USA.
In an important milestone, Dr. Singh highlighted the success of the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project’s Unit-7 (RAPP-7), which achieved criticality on September 19, 2024, marking India’s growing capabilities in nuclear power generation.
The Minister also reaffirmed India’s commitment to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030, in line with its COP26 pledge, and reiterated Prime Minister Modi’s vision of net-zero emissions by 2070. Dr. Singh emphasized that the approach to nuclear and biotechnology advancements in India is a “whole-of-government and whole-of-science” model, ensuring integrated progress.
Dr. Singh further introduced the BIOe3 Policy, India’s first initiative to drive a biotechnology-driven industrial revolution. The policy will foster advancements in bio-manufacturing, bio-foundries, and circular economy models, emphasizing recyclable and reusable products under the “Wealth from Waste” concept. This initiative is expected to generate employment, spur economic growth, and support environmental sustainability.
In conclusion, Dr. Jitendra Singh affirmed that the provisions for nuclear power in the Union Budget 2025-26 represent a major shift in India’s energy strategy. By advancing nuclear energy as a sustainable, scalable, and secure power source, the government aims to enhance energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and pave the way for India to become a global leader in advanced nuclear technology by 2047. The Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat is set to accelerate the country’s nuclear power development and contribute to India’s long-term economic and environmental goals.