Bihar to Host Its First Nuclear Power Plant under National Nuclear Energy Mission

Bihar will also have the first-ever nuclear power plant among the other five states included in the nuclear energy project of expansion in India. This step is in tandem with the Indian intention to diversify its energy resource and incorporate Smart technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). A 1,000 MW battery storage project is also part of the initiative to add to grid stability. They are small, safer, and affordable nuclear reactors that are suited to decentralized power production (SMRs). The move is an indication of the government ensuring that it enhances the amount of nuclear capacity to 22,480 MW by 2031-32.

Context

The state of Bihar is going to be among the first six states to put the National Mission- Nuclear of India into operationism and this will change the course of energy infrastructure development in the state.

Key Points

• Bihar will establish its first nuclear power plant in India as part of the pursuit of clean energy.
• The state is also going to develop a 1,000 MW battery storage system.
• The storage project will receive 18 lakh per MW viability gap funding.

What is Nuclear Energy?

• Energy level produced in the nuclear fission (nuclear division of uranium or plutonium atoms).
• Apply on nuclear reactors to produce electricity that emits very little carbon.

What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)?

• Compact nuclear reactors with between 300 MW and 300 MW.
• Units which are pre-fabricated and are assembled in-site where construction is minimized in terms of cost and time.
• There are: light water, molten salt, liquid metal and high-temperature gas reactors.

The strengths of SMRs

• Safety: Take precautions such as engaging passive solutions such as weight driven cooling to avoid overheating.
• Scalability: It can be augmented in increments according to the demand.
• Rural Suitability: Can be helpful in off-grid and in rural locations.
• Cost Effective: It is less expensive and takes a shorter time to construct compared to conventional reactors.

Government efforts to increase Nuclear Capacity

• Target: Expand nuclear capacity to 22,480 MW by 2031–32 (from 8,180 MW).
• 10 new nuclear reactors (8,000 MW total) under construction across six states.
• In-principle approval for 6×1,208 MW reactors in Andhra Pradesh in collaboration with the USA.

India Nuclear Energy in recent years

• Jharkhand Jaduguda: New deposit of Uranium.
• Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP-7): Started up in Sep 2024.
• Kakrapar indigenous PHWR units 3 and 4: 700 MWe began commercial operation.
• Kalpakkam PFBR (500 MWe): Arrived at the major stages of commissioning in 2024.

Nuclear Energy Mission

• Goal on capacity: 100 GW towards 2047 (Current: 8 GW).
• R&D of SMRs of 20,000 crore.
• Aim of five operating SMRs at 2033.

Proposed legislative reforms:

• Atomic Energy Act of 1962
• Act of Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage, 2010
• Consideration of the Private sector: Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) and BSMRs under development.

Conclusion

The inauguration of the first nuclear power plant in the state of Bihar is evidence of the Indian interest in diversification of the clean energy sources base and the achievement of a higher level of energy autonomy in the region. Such progressive integration includes the latest technologies such as SMRs, which contribute to the energy security of a country as well as to the resolution of global challenges related to climate change.