Bihar to Get its First Nuclear Power Plant

Brief Context

Context Bihar is set to host its first nuclear power plant, making it one of the first six states to benefit from the Government of India’s National Nuclear Energy Mission. About The announcement comes as part of a broader push to diversify India’s energy mix, strengthen regional energy security, and integrate advanced technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The Government has also approved a 1,000 MW battery storage capacity project in Bihar, aimed at enhancing grid stability and suppo

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Syllabus: GS3/ Energy

Context

• Bihar is set to host its first nuclear power plant, making it one of the first six states to benefit from the Government of India’s National Nuclear Energy Mission.

About

• The announcement comes as part of a broader push to diversify India’s energy mix, strengthen regional energy security, and integrate advanced technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
• The Government has also approved a 1,000 MW battery storage capacity project in Bihar, aimed at enhancing grid stability and supporting renewable energy integration. 
• The government will provide viability gap funding of Rs 18 lakh per MW for this initiative.

What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)?

• Small modular reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit, roughly one-third the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power plants.
  • Small – physically a fraction of the size of a conventional nuclear power reactor.
  • Modular – making it possible for systems and components to be factory-assembled and transported as a unit to a location for installation.
  • Reactors – harnessing nuclear fission to generate heat to produce energy.
• There are four four main types of SMR i.e., light water, high temperature gas, liquid metal, and molten salt.

Advantages of SMR

• Enhanced Safety Features: SMRs utilize passive safety mechanisms, such as natural convection and gravity-driven cooling, which help prevent overheating without relying on external power or human intervention. 
• Flexibility: The modular nature of SMRs allows for incremental power additions, which is ideal for growing energy needs.
• Suitability for Remote and Off-Grid Areas: SMRs compact design makes them adaptable for smaller grid systems and applications like district heating and water desalination.
• Cost-Effective Construction: Prefabrication in controlled environments reduces on-site construction time and costs. 

Government Initiatives for Enhancing India’s Nuclear Capacity

• India aims to increase its nuclear installed capacity from the present 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031–32.
• Construction and commissioning of 10 Reactors with a total capacity of 8,000 MW is ongoing across the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
• International Collaboration: In-principle approval has been granted for setting up 6 × 1,208 MW nuclear power reactors in Kovvada, Andhra Pradesh, in cooperation with the United States.

Recent Developments in Nuclear Energy in India

• A significant new uranium deposit was discovered around India’s oldest uranium mine in Jaduguda (Jharkhand).
• Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP-7) Achieves Criticality: On September 19, 2024, Unit-7 of RAPP reached criticality, a key milestone in nuclear reactor operations, indicating the start of a self-sustained fission chain reaction.
  • This is the third indigenous nuclear reactor to achieve this status.
• The Kakrapar Atomic Power Station Units 3 & 4, each of 700 MWe, started commercial operation in FY 2023–24.
  • These are among the first indigenously designed Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) of this scale.
• India’s first 500 MWe PFBR at Kalpakkam achieved key milestones in 2024, including primary sodium filling, commissioning of sodium pumps, and core loading.

Source: IE