Bihar To Receive India's First Small Modular Reactor Nuclear Plant Under New Energy Mission

New Delhi, Jun 25 (KNN) Bihar has been selected as one of the first six states to receive a nuclear power plant under India's Nuclear Energy Mission, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced on Tuesday. 

The state will host a Small Modular Reactor (SMR)-based facility following approval fr0m the central government.

The announcement was made during a meeting of eastern region power ministers, which included representatives fr0m Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The timing coincides with the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar.

Khattar confirmed that the central government had accepted Bihar's formal request for the nuclear facility. 

He stated that if the Bihar government proceeds with establishing the nuclear power plant, the central government is prepared to provide full support. 

Specific details regarding the location and capacity of the plant are expected to be determined during subsequent phases of project development.

The Nuclear Energy Mission was announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 with an allocation of Rs 20,000 crore. The initiative aims to expand clean and reliable nuclear power generation across India while strengthening regional energy security. 

According to Khattar, the government's objective is to establish at least one nuclear power plant in every state to ensure national energy security.

The minister emphasized that as India's growth rate increases, electricity demand rises correspondingly, making nuclear power a reliable, sustainable, and long-term energy solution. 

Small Modular Reactors represent a newer generation of nuclear technology that experts describe as more flexible and cost-effective compared to traditional large-scale reactors. These systems can be deployed in smaller electrical grids and are considered safer due to their advanced design features.

(KNN Bureau)