Bihar Advances Nuclear Power Plans With Centre’s Support For SMR-Based Plant

In a landmark announcement, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that Bihar will get its first nuclear power plant under the Centre’s newly launched Rs 20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission, Indian Express reported.

The project will be based on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, making state of Bihar one of the first six states selected under the mission.

The decision follows a meeting of eastern region power ministers and comes just months ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections.

He confirmed that the Centre had accepted Bihar’s request for a nuclear plant.

“If the Bihar government sets up a nuclear power plant, the Central Government is fully prepared to provide support,” Khattar said.

Site and project details will be finalised in due course.

Announced in the Union Budget 2025–26, the Nuclear Energy Mission aims to expand clean and reliable nuclear power across India and enhance regional energy security.

“The government’s goal is to set up at least one nuclear power plant in every state to ensure the country’s energy security,” Khattar said.

“As the country’s growth rate increases, so does electricity demand. Nuclear power is a reliable, sustainable, and long-term energy option,” He added.

Th SMRs are a newer generation of nuclear technology designed to be more flexible and cost-effective than traditional large-scale reactors, experts say. They can be deployed in smaller grids and are considered safer due to their advanced design.

Alongside the nuclear project, the Centre has also approved a 1,000 MW battery storage project in Bihar with viability gap funding of Rs 18 lakh per MW.

This follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent launch of a 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System in Siwan.

Also Read: Assam Identifies Land For Rs 40,000 Crore Thermal Power Project, Foundation Stone Likely To Be Laid By November