Patna: In a landmark development for the state’s energy infrastructure, Bihar is set to host its first-ever nuclear power plant, with full support from the Central Government. The announcement was made by Union Energy Minister Manohar Lal Khattar during a conference of Energy Ministers held in Patna on Tuesday.
This nuclear facility will be among six Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) being planned across the country, in a move aimed at bolstering India’s long-term energy security.
A Major Boost from the “Double Engine Government”
Highlighting the benefits of the “double engine government” model — where both state and central governments align on development goals — Khattar said, “If the Bihar government is willing to proceed, the Centre is fully prepared to extend every possible support to make this nuclear power project a reality.”
The Bihar government had raised the demand during the conference, to which the Centre responded positively. This approval clears the way for a historic milestone in Bihar’s energy journey.
SMRs: A Next-Gen Energy Solution
The plant will be based on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology — a next-generation form of nuclear power generation that is:
- Smaller and safer
- Faster to deploy
- More cost-effective
- Suitable for less populated or mid-level energy consumption regions
Unlike conventional nuclear reactors, SMRs offer greater scalability and reduced environmental footprint, making them ideal for states like Bihar seeking sustainable development without massive upfront infrastructure investment.
Economic and Industrial Implications
- The SMR project is expected to:
- Strengthen Bihar’s energy independence
- Attract technological investments
- Create thousands of direct and indirect jobs
- Energize industrial and economic growth across the state
Khattar added that the national goal is to eventually install at least one nuclear plant in every state as part of India’s broader clean energy transition and energy security strategy.
A Historic Milestone for Bihar
This marks the first time a nuclear power plant will be established in Bihar, a state long dependent on external sources for energy supply. The announcement is being hailed as a revolutionary leap toward sustainable, self-sufficient, and green energy development for the region.
With the Centre’s nod, the onus is now on the Bihar government to accelerate project implementation, finalize location logistics, and coordinate with the Department of Atomic Energy and other stakeholders.
