Parliament Addresses Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat
A parliamentary inquiry was recently raised regarding the government's nuclear energy initiatives aimed at supporting the Viksit Bharat vision.
A Parliament question was raised regarding the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat, seeking details on the government's strategy to expand nuclear power capacity as part of its development roadmap for a developed India. The inquiry comes as India targets a significant increase in nuclear generation to meet rising energy demands and net-zero commitments.
A Parliament question has been raised seeking details on the government's strategy for a Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat, according to a release from the Press Information Bureau (PIB). The inquiry comes as the Centre outlines plans to significantly expand nuclear power capacity as a central pillar of its development roadmap for a developed India.
The question, tabled in Parliament, asked the government to elaborate on the specific contours of the mission, which is positioned to address the country's rising energy demands while aligning with its net-zero commitments. The government has previously indicated that nuclear energy will play a critical role in the transition away from fossil fuels, providing a stable baseload power source to complement intermittent renewable generation.
In response to the parliamentary query, the government detailed its approach to scaling up capacity, which includes the development of indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and Light Water Reactors (LWRs) with foreign cooperation. The strategy also involves exploring the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and the potential involvement of the private sector to augment public investment in the sector.
The mission forms part of a broader target to increase nuclear power generation capacity substantially from current levels. Officials have highlighted that achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047 requires a diversified energy mix where nuclear provides reliable, low-carbon electricity. The parliamentary reply underscored the focus on streamlining regulatory processes and securing fuel supply chains, including uranium imports and domestic exploration, to support the expanded fleet.
The discussion in Parliament reflects the ongoing policy emphasis on accelerating project execution timelines, which have historically been a constraint for the nuclear programme. The government's response outlined steps being taken to address land acquisition, environmental clearances, and public consultation hurdles that have delayed past projects. The mission's progress will depend on the successful operationalisation of these enabling measures alongside the technological deployment of new reactor designs.
PIB