UPSC Notes

Nuclear Energy Policy and Development in India

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Crucial for India's energy security, climate change commitments, technological self-reliance, economic growth (Viksit Bharat), and the evolving role of public-private partnerships in strategic sectors.

India's nuclear energy policy aims to achieve energy security and climate goals through a significant expansion of nuclear power generation, leveraging indigenous technology and promoting private sector participation. This is guided by national missions and legislative frameworks like the SHANTI Act.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Target Capacity

100 GWe nuclear power by 2047

Strategic Goals

Support Viksit Bharat vision and net-zero carbon emissions by 2070

Key Legislation

SHANTI Act, 2025 (opens sector to private participation, establishes AERB as statutory)

Indigenous Development

BARC developing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs); NPCIL developing indigenous PHWRs, LWRs, and PWRs (e.g., BSMR-200)

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaRenewable & Clean Energy
Conceptual areaConstitutional & Statutory Bodies

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL)Implements
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)Develops
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)Regulates
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Statement-based questions

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Target: 100 GWe nuclear power by 2047.
  • SHANTI Act, 2025: enables private participation, statutory AERB.
  • Indigenous development: SMRs, PHWRs, LWRs, PWRs (BSMR-200).
  • Aims: Viksit Bharat, Net-zero by 2070.
  • Key players: NPCIL, BARC, private sector.

Elimination traps

Constitutional vs statutoryAERB's transition to statutory status under the SHANTI Act.

Check if created by Constitution or by Parliament.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Renewable & Clean EnergyConstitutional & Statutory Bodies

PARLIAMENT QUESTION: NUCLEAR ENERGY MISSION FOR VIKSIT BHARAT

22 Jul 2026 · India's Nuclear Energy Mission targets 100 GWe by 2047 for energy security and net-zero, facilitated by the SHANTI Act opening private participation and strengthening regulatory oversight.

Read article

Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Nuclear Energy Policy and Development in India in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.