Indian Nuclear Power Plants in Bihar

On June 25, 2025, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar made a historic announcement: Bihar will host its first nuclear power plant, making it one of the first six Indian states selected under the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) rollout.

This move marks a significant milestone in the expansion of Indian nuclear power plants, with long-term implications for energy security, economic development, and international cooperation.

For SSC aspirants, understanding this topic is essential under Current Affairs, Government Energy Schemes, and Science & Technology. It also ties into India’s broader ambition to lead in atomic power, reduce its carbon footprint, and strengthen its energy mix.

What Are Indian Nuclear Power Plants?

Indian nuclear power plants are facilities designed to generate electricity using nuclear energy via controlled nuclear fission.

Operated primarily by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) under the supervision of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), these plants form a crucial part of India’s energy production strategy.

Key Objectives:

• Provide clean, low-carbon electricity in India

• Reduce dependence on fossil fuels

• Expand atomic energy plants to underserved regions

• Strengthen India’s global nuclear standing

Bihar's First Nuclear Plant: A Strategic Game-Changer

The upcoming nuclear plant in Bihar will be based on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, which is:

• Cost-effective

• Compact and scalable

• Easier to deploy in remote or power-deficient states

• Equipped with enhanced nuclear safety mechanisms

This will be the first atomic power facility in Bihar, a state historically affected by power shortages and underdeveloped infrastructure. The project was approved after a formal request from the Bihar government and is expected to bring transformative change.

Features of the SMR-Based Nuclear Plant

• Scalable reactors suited for limited-grid regions

• Reduced construction time compared to large reactors

• Improved nuclear safety mechanisms

• Works efficiently alongside renewable energy sources

• Boosts grid reliability in eastern India

SMRs are particularly beneficial for regions with challenging terrain or weaker infrastructure, making Bihar an ideal candidate.

₹20,000 Crore Nuclear Energy Mission: Budget 2025–26

The Bihar project is part of the broader ₹20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission, announced in the Union Budget 2025–26. The mission aims to:

• Deploy nuclear reactors in India across several states

• Promote sustainable, low-carbon nuclear power generation

• Integrate solar, wind, and battery storage systems

• Expand access to affordable, reliable power

This mission also reinforces international trade law compliance for the safe import and regulation of uranium in India.

How Many Nuclear Power Plants in India?

As of mid-2025, India has:

• 22 operational Indian nuclear power plants

• 8 under-construction nuclear energy projects

• Total installed nuclear capacity: approx. 7,480 MW

Major Nuclear Facilities:

• Tarapur Atomic Power Station (Maharashtra)

• Kudankulam Nuclear Plant (Tamil Nadu)

• Kaiga Generating Station (Karnataka)

• Rawatbhata Nuclear Plant (Rajasthan)

Upcoming Nuclear Power Projects in India:

• Jaitapur Nuclear Project (Maharashtra) – will be the largest once completed

• Gorakhpur Nuclear Plant (Haryana)

• Chutka Nuclear Project (Madhya Pradesh)

These are critical to expanding India’s network of atomic energy plants and increasing the nuclear energy contribution to India’s grid.

Battery Storage Complement: 1,000 MW in Bihar

To further support the grid, the Centre has approved a 1,000 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) for Bihar, funded under Viability Gap Funding (VGF) at ₹18 lakh per MW. This initiative will:

• Stabilize the electricity grid

• Improve renewable energy integration

• Reduce reliance on fossil-based energy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for a 500 MWh BESS in Siwan, Bihar, on June 20, 2025, as part of India’s long-term clean energy strategy.

Power Vision 2035: India’s Energy Roadmap

The government’s Power Vision 2035 outlines a diversified energy framework built on:

• Thermal energy

• Solar and wind power

• Battery storage systems

• Indian nuclear power plants as a foundation of national energy security

The plan supports the country’s nuclear energy target 2030, which includes expanding both large-scale power reactors and SMR-based BARC reactors, with strong involvement from nuclear power corporations and private entities.

SSC Exam Relevance: Why This Topic Matters

This development is highly relevant across key SSC exam sections:

Quick Facts:

• Topic: Indian Nuclear Power Plants

• Location: Bihar (site to be finalized)

• Technology: Small Modular Reactor (SMR)

• Budget: ₹20,000 crore

• Target: 22% nuclear share in India’s energy mix by 2030

• Support Project: 1,000 MW battery storage

Final Thoughts

The introduction of Bihar’s first nuclear energy plant under the SMR model represents a critical turning point in the evolution of Indian nuclear power plants. With robust safety features, integration with renewable technologies, and strategic grid expansion, India is positioning itself as a global leader in atomic energy.

For SSC candidates, this topic bridges current affairs, science, economics, and policy, making it indispensable for both objective questions and descriptive answers.