Examine the significance of the Nuclear Energy Mission announced in Union Budget 2025-26 in achieving India's 100 GW nuclear capacity target by 2047.

Q. Examine the significance of the Nuclear Energy Mission announced in Union Budget 2025-26 in achieving India's 100 GW nuclear capacity target by 2047. (15 marks, 250 words)

India's nuclear capacity stands near 8,180 MW — modest against the 100 GW-by-2047 target set by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) [1]. The Nuclear Energy Mission, unveiled in Union Budget 2025-26, is the policy-financial vehicle meant to bridge this gap [2].

Technological push through SMRs - ₹20,000 crore allocated for R&D on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), targeting five indigenous operational SMRs by 2033 [2]. - SMRs are faster to deploy and site-flexible, letting nuclear replace retiring thermal plants — critical for the 2037 (47 GW) and 2042 (67 GW) milestones [2][3].

Unlocking private capital - Mission proposes amendments to the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 to permit private sector participation [2]. - Opening a historic state monopoly can mobilise investment beyond NPCIL's balance sheet — essential when ten reactors (~14,300 MW) are already under construction across six states [2].

Energy security and climate - Complements the three-stage, thorium-based closed fuel cycle, insulating supply from uranium-import geopolitics [3]. - Positions nuclear as firm, low-carbon baseload for the Net Zero-2070 goal.

Constraints to examine - Legislative amendments remain pending; liability reform is politically sensitive. - SMR commercialisation and public-acceptance/safety concerns temper timelines.

The Mission reframes nuclear from a slow, state-run programme into a mission-mode, capital-open, technology-diversified push. If the legal reforms pass promptly, it makes the 100 GW target credible rather than aspirational — anchoring India's clean-energy transition.

(~250 words)

Sources: 1. PARLIAMENT QUESTION: NUCLEAR POWER PROGRAMME (PIB) — three-stage rationale, 100 GW-by-2047 target, thorium/energy-security framing 2. Nuclear Power in Union Budget 2025-26 (Department of Atomic Energy, PIB) — ₹20,000 cr SMR mission, five SMRs by 2033, Act amendments for private participation, reactors under construction 3. A New Chapter in India's Nuclear Journey (DAE Factsheet, PIB) — capacity roadmap (2031-32, 2037, 2042, 2047), closed fuel cycle