In a historic move, Bihar is all set to host its first nuclear power plant, becoming one of the first six Indian states chosen under the central government’s ambitious Nuclear Energy Mission. The announcement was made by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar following a meeting of eastern region power ministers.
Backed by a Rs 20,000 crore allocation in the Union Budget 2025-26, this mission aims to transform India’s energy landscape through the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)—a new-age nuclear technology that is compact, safer, and cost-effective.
Clean Power, Big Promise for Bihar
The SMR plant will address Bihar’s chronic power deficits.
It will fuel industrial growth, improve grid reliability, and support the state’s economic ambitions.
Alongside, a 1,000 MW battery storage project has also been approved, with Rs 18 lakh per MW as central support.
Khattar added that site selection and other technical details will soon be finalized. This move comes just days after PM Modi laid the foundation stone for a 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in Siwan, Bihar.
A Vision for 2035: Nuclear, Solar, Wind & Storage
The SMR project is part of a broader “Power Vision 2035”, which includes investments in thermal, solar, wind, and energy storage to meet India’s surging electricity demands in a clean and sustainable manner.
“The government wants at least one nuclear plant in every state to strengthen India’s energy security,” said Khattar, highlighting the importance of nuclear energy in the national grid.
Bihar’s Power Makeover
Once lagging behind in power infrastructure, Bihar has installed over 80 lakh smart meters, reduced energy losses, and is now receiving an extra 500 MW power allotment for summer months.
