Bihar is set to become one of the first six states in India to get a nuclear power plant as part of the country’s new Nuclear Energy Mission. On Tuesday, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced that the Centre has approved setting up a Small Modular Reactor (SMR)-based nuclear plant in the state.
This announcement comes ahead of Bihar’s assembly elections and follows a recent meeting of power ministers from eastern states like West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Khattar confirmed that Bihar’s government formally requested the nuclear plant, and the Central Government is ready to support the project fully. While details like the exact site and plant capacity will be finalized later, this move marks a big step forward for Bihar’s energy future.
The Nuclear Energy Mission was announced in the 2025-26 Union Budget with a budget of Rs 20,000 crore. Its goal is to expand clean, reliable nuclear power across India to boost energy security. “The government wants at least one nuclear plant in every state to meet growing electricity needs,” said the Power Minister. “Nuclear power offers a reliable, sustainable energy option for the long term.”
SMRs are newer nuclear reactors that are smaller, more flexible, and cheaper to build than traditional large plants. Experts say they’re safer too, making them a good fit for places with smaller power grids.
Khattar also shared that the government has a comprehensive power plan through 2035, covering thermal, solar, wind, storage, and nuclear projects. This is part of a bigger effort to diversify India’s energy sources and keep up with rising demand using advanced technology.
For Bihar, which has faced power shortages and infrastructure problems—this nuclear plant could bring much-needed stable electricity and help the state’s industries grow. Alongside the nuclear plant, the Centre has approved a 1,000 MW battery storage project for Bihar to improve grid stability and better support renewable energy. The government will provide financial support of Rs 18 lakh per MW for this.
Just days ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for a 500 MWh battery storage system in Bihar’s Siwan district, showing the government’s focus on modernizing the state’s power infrastructure.
Khattar praised Bihar’s recent progress in the power sector, mentioning the installation of eight million smart meters and a big drop in energy losses. “Bihar was behind in power before, but now it’s made good progress,” he said. To help with summer electricity demand, the Centre will also supply Bihar with an extra 500 MW of power over the next six months. States facing shortages will continue to get enough power from central reserves.
