PARLIAMENT QUESTION: NUCLEAR ENERGY MISSION - 29th July 2026 - Department of Atomic Energy - Gazette Notification PDF
Issued by Department of Atomic Energy
Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Department of Atomic Energy on 29th July 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways
Executive Summary The Government of India has launched the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat, aiming to reach a nuclear power capacity of 100 GW by 2047 to meet net-zero and energy security targets. Key legislative support includes the enactment of the SHANTI Act to facilitate participation from the private sector, states, and research institutions. Significant milestones include the recent addition of 2100 MW to the grid and the attainment of criticality by the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) on April 6, 2026.
Key Points / Main Content
Strategic Objectives and Legislation
- Capacity Target: Establish 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by the year 2047.
- SHANTI Act: Enacted to enable wider participation in the nuclear sector by both public and private entities.
- Regulatory Framework: Collaboration for states and industries will commence once the rules under the SHANTI Act, 2025, are framed.
Technology and Research Focus
- Indigenous Technology: Emphasis on significant contributions from indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology.
- Advanced R&D: Measures announced to enable research and development in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and other advanced technologies.
- Fast Breeder Reactors: Approval granted for pre-project activities for two 500 MW Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR 1 & 2) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
Operational Milestones (Last 3 Years)
- Capacity Addition: 2100 MW added through commercial operations of KAPP-3&4 and RAPP-7.
- Refurbishment: TAPS-1 & 2 resumed operations after successful refurbishment.
- Criticality: The PFBR attained criticality on April 6, 2026.
- New Construction: Commencement of construction (First Pour of Concrete) for Kaiga Units-5&6 in Karnataka.
Ongoing Projects
- Mahi Banswara Project: Foundation stone laid for Units 1 to 4 of the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project.
- Joint Venture: The Mahi Banswara project is being implemented by ASHVINI, a subsidiary JV between NPCIL and NTPC.
Impact Analysis
Stakeholder: Private Sector and Industries Impact The enactment of the SHANTI Act removes previous barriers, allowing private industries to participate and collaborate in nuclear power projects. Action Required Industries must monitor the framing of rules under the SHANTI Act, 2025, to identify specific partnership and investment opportunities.
Stakeholder: State Governments Impact States are now identified as potential collaborators with the Central Government in the expansion of nuclear energy infrastructure. Action Required State authorities should prepare frameworks for collaboration in line with the forthcoming rules of the SHANTI Act.
Stakeholder: Research Institutions Impact There is a renewed focus and government support for R&D in SMRs and new advanced nuclear technologies. Action Required Institutions should align their research programs with the government’s mission targets and seek collaboration under the new legislative framework.
Stakeholder: NPCIL and NTPC (via ASHVINI JV) Impact These entities are tasked with the execution of major upcoming projects like the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project. Action Required Maintain project timelines for the implementation of the four units at Banswara and progress pre-project activities at Kalpakkam.