India's Nuclear Energy Policy & International Cooperation
Science & Technology
- PYQs8
- Articles1
Background
Critical for India's energy security, climate change commitments, technological advancements in clean energy, and the role of international partnerships and private investment in strategic sectors.
India's nuclear energy policy aims to achieve energy security and reduce carbon emissions by expanding its nuclear power capacity, leveraging both indigenous technology and international cooperation. This includes developing advanced reactor designs and exploring private sector participation to accelerate growth.
Facts & tables
- Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant
- Ongoing discussions with French power giant EDF for six reactor units, a project under discussion for over 15 years.
- SHANTI Act
- Legislation governing the nuclear sector, opening avenues for French nuclear companies, including private sector participation.
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
- Focus on advanced SMRs as a potential area for collaboration and future nuclear energy development.
- Private Sector Participation
- Encouraging direct participation of French nuclear companies, potentially with Indian private sector partners.
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Climate Change |
| Conceptual area | Energy Security |
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) | Implements nuclear power projects |
| EDF (French power giant) | Potential collaborator/supplier |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Statement-based questions
Prelims angle: Factual recall
- Aims for energy security, carbon reduction.
- Jaitapur project with French EDF ongoing.
- SHANTI Act facilitates private/foreign participation.
- Focus on advanced Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
- International cooperation crucial for capacity expansion.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
| 2025 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2022 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2020 | Conceptual understanding, Institutional roles and functions |
| 2018 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2016 | Conceptual understanding, Factual recall |
| 2015 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2014 | Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
Timeline
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Climate Change
Conceptual area
-
Energy Security
Conceptual area
-
Prelims 2014
Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2015
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2016
Conceptual understanding, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2018
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2020
Conceptual understanding, Institutional roles and functions
-
Prelims 2022
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2025
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2026
Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding
-
India, France adopt Innovation Roadmap 2030, Economic Security Dialogue
India's nuclear energy policy, guided by the SHANTI Act, is actively pursuing international cooperation, notably with France for the Jaitapur project, and exploring private sector involvement and the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to boost its clean energy capacity.
See also
Past papers
2014–2026 · 8 questions
In the news
India, France adopt Innovation Roadmap 2030, Economic Security Dialogue
India's nuclear energy policy, guided by the SHANTI Act, is actively pursuing international cooperation, notably with France for the Jaitapur project, and exploring private sector involvement and the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to boost its clean energy capacity.
Try these PYQs
With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements:
1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.
2. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect: India does not feature among the top three global manufacturers of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic (PV) units or solar cells. The top three manufacturers of silicon wafers for PV applications are China, Taiwan, and South Korea. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is a government-owned company that facilitates the implementation of solar energy projects in the country, but it does not determine the solar power tariffs. The solar power tariffs in India are determined through a competitive bidding process conducted by various agencies. Hence, the correct answer is option (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
Consider the following statements about 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana':
I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector.
II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels.
III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling, and up-skilling, under scheme component of capacity building.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a major government initiative to expand rooftop solar adoption in the residential sector, while also building technical capacity across the country. ✅ Statement I: Correct
* The scheme targets the installation of 1 crore solar rooftop panels in households. ✅ Statement II: Correct
* The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE plans to train grassroots-level workers in installation, operation, and maintenance. ✅ Statement III: Correct
* The scheme aims to create over 3 lakh skilled workers through fresh skilling and up-skilling efforts.
India is an important member of the ‘International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?
India is a key participant in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a global nuclear fusion research and engineering megaproject. ITER is set to become the world's largest magnetic confinement plasma physics experiment, aiming to demonstrate the feasibility of fusion as a large-scale, sustainable energy source. India's involvement in ITER provides technological expertise, research collaboration, and industrial capabilities, which can significantly contribute to its future efforts in developing nuclear fusion reactors for commercial power generation. By participating in this international project, India gains access to cutting-edge advancements in fusion technology, potentially paving the way for its own fusion-based energy infrastructure.
Hence, the correct answer is option D.
With reference to ‘fuel cells’ in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity. Consider the following statements:
1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products.
2. Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers.
3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is correct: When pure hydrogen reacts with oxygen in a fuel cell, the only byproducts are water and heat. This is an advantage of hydrogen fuel cells, making them a clean energy source with minimal emissions. Statement 2 is incorrect: Fuel cells can be used for various applications, including powering small devices like laptops. Portable fuel cells are being developed for this purpose. While currently less common, they hold promise for the future. Statement 3 is incorrect: Fuel cells actually produce electricity in the form of Direct Current (DC). In some applications, an inverter might be needed to convert the DC output to AC for compatibility with the electrical grid. Therefore, the only correct answer is 1 only.
Consider the following statements:
1. Gujarat has the largest solar park in India.
2. Kerala has a fully solar powered International Airport.
3. Goa has the largest floating solar photovoltaic project in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect. India's Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan is the largest solar power park in the world. Statement 2 is correct. Kerala’s Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) is the first airport in the world that would be running fully on solar power. Statement 3 is incorrect. The largest floating solar photovoltaic project in India is not in Goa but in Ramagundam, Telangana. The project is developed by NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation Limited).
Show 3 more PYQs
Which of the following statements with regard to Green Hydrogen is/are correct ?
1. It is decarbonized hydrogen obtained from natural gas reforming combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS).
2. It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy.
3. National Green Hydrogen Mission of India aims for abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Statement 1 is Incorrect: Hydrogen obtained from fossil fuels (primarily natural gas) through steam methane reforming, where the resulting carbon emissions are captured and stored using Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies, is known as Blue Hydrogen, not Green Hydrogen. Statement 2 is Correct: Green Hydrogen is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen via electrolysis, using electricity generated entirely from renewable energy sources (such as solar or wind). It is a completely zero-emission process. Statement 3 is Correct: The National Green Hydrogen Mission launched by the Government of India has set quantified targets for 2030. It aims to develop a green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonnes) per annum. This will lead to the abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, alongside reducing fossil fuel imports and creating over 6 lakh jobs. Therefore, the correct option is B.
With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements:
1. ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while ‘Solar Thermal’ is a technology that utilizes the Sun’s rays to generate heat which is further used in the electricity generation process.
2. Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC).
3. India has a manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is correct: Photovoltaic (PV) technology converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductors (like silicon) — this is a direct conversion of light to electrical energy. Solar Thermal technology uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight to produce heat, which then drives a turbine to generate electricity (an indirect process). Statement 2 is incorrect: Photovoltaic systems generate Direct Current (DC), which is usually converted into Alternating Current (AC) through an inverter for grid use. Solar Thermal systems generate heat energy, which is used to produce AC electricity through conventional turbines. Statement 3 is incorrect: India has a manufacturing base for solar photovoltaics (PV) — including solar cells, modules, and panels (e.g., companies like Adani Solar, Vikram Solar, and Tata Power Solar). The solar thermal manufacturing base in India is limited and largely focused on small-scale applications like water heating.
In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA Safeguards” while others are not?
IAEA safeguards are a set of technical safeguards applied by the IAEA to independently verify any nuclear facilities to check if it is not misused or deviated from peaceful uses. IAEA Safeguards are meant to understand if imported/enriched uranium is not used for non-peaceful purposes. New reactors under IAEA safeguards The decision will be based on the source of uranium.