Nuclear Energy Policy and Development in India
Science & Technology
- PYQs8
- Articles1
Background
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.
Facts & tables
- 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)
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Renewable & Clean Energy |
| Conceptual area | Constitutional & Statutory Bodies |
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) | Implements |
| Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) | Develops |
| Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) | Regulates |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Statement-based questions
Prelims angle: Factual recall
- 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.
Check if created by Constitution or by Parliament.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2024 | Factual recall, Conceptual understanding |
| 2023 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2022 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2020 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2018 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2016 | Conceptual understanding, Factual recall |
| 2014 | Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
Timeline
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Renewable & Clean Energy
Conceptual area
-
Constitutional & Statutory Bodies
Conceptual area
-
Prelims 2014
Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2016
Conceptual understanding, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2018
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2020
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2022
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2023
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2024
Factual recall, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2025
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
PARLIAMENT QUESTION: NUCLEAR ENERGY MISSION FOR VIKSIT BHARAT
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.
See also
Past papers
2014–2025 · 8 questions
In the news
PARLIAMENT QUESTION: NUCLEAR ENERGY MISSION FOR VIKSIT BHARAT
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.
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.
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.
With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements:
1. Solar power can be used for running surface pumps and not for submersible pumps.
2. Solar power can be used for running centrifugal pumps and not the ones with piston.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Solar pumps provide a clean, energy-efficient, and sustainable alternative to traditional electric and fuel-driven pump sets. They play a crucial role in environmentally friendly agriculture and can be implemented in both developed and underdeveloped regions. The main components in a solar pumping system include a photovoltaic (PV) array, an electric motor and a pump. Solar water pumping systems are classified as either direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) systems based on the motors ability. Recently, the concept of brushless DC (BLDC) motors for solar pumping water applications was presented as well. Statement 1 is incorrect: Solar power can be used to run both surface pumps and submersible pumps. The type of pump does not limit the use of solar power. Statement 2 is incorrect: Solar power can be used to run both centrifugal pumps and piston pumps. The type of pump, whether it's a centrifugal pump or a piston pump, does not limit the use of solar power. Hence, both statements 1 and 2 are incorrect.
Which one of the following is the exhaust pipe emission from Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, powered by hydrogen?
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) powered by hydrogen generate electricity by combining hydrogen (H₂) with oxygen (O₂) in a fuel cell. This process produces electricity, heat, and the only exhaust emission is water vapour (H₂O), making hydrogen fuel cells zero-emission.
Show 3 more PYQs
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 green hydrogen, Consider the following statements :
1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.
2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.
3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.
How many of the above statements are correct?
* Green hydrogen is any hydrogen that is produced from renewable energy. * Statement 1 is correct: Green hydrogen can be used as a direct fuel for internal combustion engines, replacing conventional fuels like gasoline or diesel. * Statement 2 is correct: Green hydrogen can be blended with natural gas and used as a fuel for various applications like heating, power generation, and industrial processes. * Statement 3 is correct: Green hydrogen can be used in hydrogen fuel cells to power electric vehicles, providing a clean and efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles. Therefore, all three statements regarding the uses of green hydrogen are correct.
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).