Parliament Question: Nuclear Energy Mission

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 1775 ANSWERED ON 29.07.2026 NUCLEAR ENERGY MISSION

1775. SHRI DARSHAN SINGH CHOUDHARY

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:-

(a) whether any comprehensive nuclear energy mission is being operated by the Government for the expansion of the nuclear energy sector keeping in view the energy security, clean energy generation and net-zero targets of the country to achieve the goal of "Viksit Bharat" and if so, the details thereof;

(b) the details of provisions made under the said mission with regard to the setting up of new nuclear power plants, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), research and development, indigenous technology and participation of private and public sectors;

(c) the details of the projects sanctioned, budget allocated, installed and proposed power generation capacity and the major achievements made in the nuclear energy sector under the mission during the last three years; and

(d) whether the Government proposes to invest in the nuclear energy sector in collaboration with states, industries and research institutions and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

(a) & (b) Yes. Keeping in view the energy security, clean energy generation and net-zero targets of the country, the Government has announced an ambitious Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat with a target of reaching a nuclear power capacity of 100 GW by 2047. The Government has also enacted the SHANTI Act to enable a wider participation of both public and private sectors. The aforementioned target envisages a significant contribution from indigenous PHWR technology based nuclear power plants.

Further, the Government has announced measures for enabling R&D in SMRs and new advanced technologies. Towards the expansion of Fast Breeder Reactors, Government of India has approved the pre-project activities of 2 x 500 MW FBR 1 & 2 at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.(c) In the last three years, no new nuclear power projects were sanctioned. However, major achievements in the nuclear power sector include;

• Capacity addition of 2100 MW with commercial operation of KAPP-3&4 (2 X 700 MW) and RAPP-7 (700 MW). • Laying of foundation stone by Hon’ble Prime Minister for Units-1 to 4 of the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project in Banswara, Rajasthan. The project is being implemented by subsidiary of NPCIL - ASHVINI (a JV of NPCIL & NTPC).

• TAPS- 1 & 2, the world's oldest operating nuclear reactors, resumed operation after successful completion of major refurbishment works. • Construction of Kaiga Units-5&6 in the state of Karnataka commenced construction with the ‘First Pour of Concrete’ (FPC) after obtaining requisite statutory and regulatory clearances.

• PFBR attained criticality on 06th April, 2026.

(d) The Government has enacted the SHANTI Act to enable wider participation in nuclear power, both by public and private sector. Once the rules are framed under SHANTI Act, 2025, it is open for the states, industries and research institutions to collaborate with the Government.

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