Modi Government Approves Bihar’s First Nuclear Power Plant: A Game-Changer for Energy Security

Bihar to Host India’s First Small Modular Reactor Under ₹20,000 Crore Nuclear Energy Mission

In a landmark decision, the Modi government has greenlit Bihar’s first nuclear power plant on June 24, 2025, marking a historic step toward energy self-reliance in the state. Announced by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the Small Modular Reactor (SMR)-based facility is part of India’s ambitious Nuclear Energy Mission, backed by a ₹20,000 crore allocation in the Union Budget 2025-26. As Bihar gears up for assembly elections, this move promises to transform the state’s energy landscape, boost employment, and drive industrial growth. Here’s an SEO-optimized deep dive into the announcement, its implications, and public sentiment, crafted for MasalaMirror.com.

Bihar’s Nuclear Leap: First SMR-Based Power Plant

Bihar, long grappling with power deficits, will be among six states to host a nuclear power plant under India’s Nuclear Energy Mission. The SMR-based plant, approved by the Central government, leverages cutting-edge technology designed for flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced safety compared to traditional reactors. Union Minister Khattar, speaking in Patna after a meeting with eastern region power ministers, confirmed, “If the Bihar government sets up a nuclear power plant, the Central Government is fully prepared to provide support.” The plant’s location, likely near Rajauli in Nawada district, and capacity details are pending finalization, but the project is poised to deliver stable electricity and support Bihar’s industrial ambitions.

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Why SMRs? The Future of Nuclear Energy in India

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) represent a new generation of nuclear technology, ideal for regions like Bihar with moderate power demand. Unlike large-scale reactors, SMRs are faster to build, cost less, and feature advanced safety designs, making them suitable for smaller grids. Khattar emphasized, “We aim to set up a nuclear power plant in every state to ensure the country’s energy security.” The Bihar plant, part of a national plan to deploy six SMRs, aligns with India’s 2035 power vision, which integrates thermal, solar, wind, storage, and nuclear energy to meet rising demand. This initiative also supports India’s net-zero emissions goals by expanding clean energy.

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Boost for Bihar: Jobs, Investment, and Power Stability

The nuclear power plant is a “historic opportunity” for Bihar, promising stable electricity, technological advancement, and thousands of jobs. The state, which has historically faced power shortages, will also receive an additional 500 MW of electricity for six months to meet peak summer demand, alongside a 1,000 MW battery storage project with ₹18 lakh per MW in viability gap funding. Khattar praised Bihar’s recent power sector reforms, including the installation of eight million smart meters and reduced technical losses, noting, “Bihar was lagging behind in the power sector but has done a considerably good job.” The plant, potentially the first in eastern India, could attract ₹22,400 crore in investment, per earlier estimates for a similar project.

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Strategic Timing: Ahead of Bihar Assembly Elections

The announcement, made months before Bihar’s assembly elections, has sparked political buzz. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s government had formally requested the facility, and the Centre’s approval is seen as a boost for the NDA coalition. Posts on X reflect excitement, with users like @BiharInfra calling it a “big leap” for eastern India’s energy security, while @SouleFacts predicted opposition from parties like RJD, citing potential fearmongering. The project’s timing aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Siwan on June 20, where he laid the foundation for a 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System, signaling sustained focus on Bihar’s energy infrastructure.

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Environmental and Public Concerns

While the project heralds progress, some local opposition has emerged. A post by @thebiharoffice on X noted concerns from residents near the proposed site, citing potential environmental impacts on air and water quality and risks to human life. However, SMRs are designed with enhanced safety features, and officials assert that sites like Rajauli, part of the stable Deccan plateau, minimize seismic risks. The Bihar government, having earmarked 1,000 acres in Nawada, is likely to address these concerns through public consultations and environmental assessments, as seen in past projects.

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Historical Context: Bihar’s Long Pursuit of Nuclear Power

Bihar’s nuclear ambitions date back to 2006, when the Union energy ministry first approved a 2,000 MW plant in Rajauli. In 2017, the state planned a 3,000 MW facility with four 700 MW units, but water availability issues from the Phulwaria dam delayed progress. The 2025 approval, backed by NTPC’s recent push for nuclear energy via its joint venture with NPCIL (Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd), revives these efforts. With 1,275 hectares already identified and water assurances in place, the project is on a fast track, potentially making Bihar a nuclear power hub in eastern India.

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What’s Next for Bihar’s Nuclear Future?

The Bihar government must now finalize the site, likely near Rajauli’s Phulwaria reservoir, and conduct feasibility studies. NTPC, with a 49% stake in ASHVINI, will lead development, leveraging its 8,850 MW installed capacity in Bihar. The project aligns with India’s goal of 63 GW nuclear capacity by 2032, driven by indigenous PHWRs and thorium-based reactors. As MasalaMirror.com reports, this nuclear plant could redefine Bihar’s economic trajectory, making it a powerhouse in clean energy and industrial growth.

Stay tuned to MasalaMirror.com for updates on Bihar’s nuclear power plant, environmental assessments, and election impacts. Follow #BiharNuclear and #ModiEnergyMission for the latest news and public reactions.

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