6 February 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC
1. “Nuclear Mission” announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 will mark a transformative shift in India’s energy landscape
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2100108®=3&lang=1 )
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Nuclear Mission:
- Introduction: The “Nuclear Mission” announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 aims to transform India’s energy sector by making nuclear power a major source of energy.
- Budget Allocation: ₹20,000 crore will be allocated for research and development (R&D) in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
- Target: The goal is to develop at least five indigenously designed SMRs by 2033.
- Private Sector Involvement: For the first time, the nuclear energy sector will open to private sector participation, promoting growth and innovation.
- Expansion Plans: India’s current nuclear power capacity of 8,180 MW will increase to 22,480 MW by 2031-32.
- New Projects: Ten reactors are under construction in various states, and ten more are planned.
- Global Collaboration: A major 6 x 1208 MW nuclear power plant is planned with the USA at Kovvada, Andhra Pradesh.
- Sustainability: This mission supports India’s goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030 and contributes to the nation’s net-zero emissions by 2070.
| PYQ: With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2018) |
