The Narendra Modi-led central government has approved the establishment of Bihar’s first-ever nuclear power plant, marking a major step for the state as part of India’s newly unveiled Nuclear Energy Mission under the Union Budget 2025-26. Bihar will now be among six states selected to host atomic energy facilities under this mission.
Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced on Tuesday that the Centre has greenlit the establishment of a Small Modular Reactor (SMR)-based nuclear plant in Bihar. He stated that the central government is fully committed to supporting the project, which follows a formal request from the state government. Specifics regarding the plant’s location and scale will be determined during the project’s development phase.
The Nuclear Energy Mission is focused on expanding the reach of clean and dependable nuclear energy across the country while enhancing regional energy security. It aims to establish at least one nuclear power facility in every state to meet growing energy demands and support sustainable development.
“With the nation’s growth comes a higher need for electricity. Nuclear energy is a dependable and long-term solution,” Khattar said.
SMRs represent an advanced and more adaptable form of nuclear technology compared to traditional large reactors. These smaller units are cost-effective, safer, and suitable for deployment in regions with smaller power grids.
The announcement comes at a politically strategic time, just ahead of Bihar’s upcoming Assembly elections. The project is expected to be a major boost for the state, which has long faced power shortages and infrastructure challenges.
Officials say the plant will enhance Bihar’s electricity reliability and contribute to the state’s industrial growth. In addition to the nuclear facility, the Centre has also sanctioned a 1,000 MW battery energy storage system in Bihar. This will support grid stability and enable better integration of renewable energy sources. The government plans to offer viability gap funding of ₹18 lakh per MW to support this initiative.
The announcement followed a meeting of eastern region power ministers, which included representatives from Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Khattar also highlighted a national energy roadmap for 2035, covering diverse sources like thermal, solar, wind, nuclear, and storage solutions. The plan aligns with India’s broader strategy to diversify its energy sources and meet surging electricity demand using advanced technologies.
Commending Bihar’s recent advancements in the energy sector, the Power Minister pointed to the installation of eight million smart meters and a notable reduction in technical and commercial losses.
“Though Bihar was once behind in the power sector, it has made commendable progress,” he said. In recognition of these improvements, the Centre has agreed to provide Bihar with an additional 500 MW of electricity over the next six months to help manage peak summer demand.