Nuclear Energy Mission (NEM)
Why it Matters?
Bihar is set to become one of the first six states to host a Small Modular Reactor (SMR)-based atomic power plant under the ₹20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission announced in the Union Budget 2025–26.
What You Should Know?
The Union Budget 2025–26 introduced the Nuclear Energy Mission (NEM) with the aim of achieving 100 Gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
NEM focuses on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and the expansion of Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) as part of India’s clean energy transition.
The mission includes a target to develop and deploy at least five indigenous SMRs by 2033.
The Union Budget 2025–26 allocated ₹20,000 crore for the NEM to boost clean and reliable nuclear energy.
The mission promotes public-private collaboration for setting up BSRs and advancing nuclear technologies.
The mission plays a key role in India’s strategy to meet its net-zero and clean energy goals, especially in alignment with the COP26 Summit pledges.