The announcement comes ahead of assembly election in Bihar and comes after a meeting of eastern region power ministers, which included representatives from Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

He confirmed that the Centre had accepted Bihar’s request for a nuclear plant, stating: “If the Bihar government sets up a nuclear power plant, the Central Government is fully prepared to provide support.” Khattar added that Bihar had formally requested such a facility and the Centre would assist in its establishment. Details regarding the site and scale of the plant are expected to be finalised in the coming stages of project development.

Khattar also said that the government has prepared a comprehensive power vision for 2035, covering thermal, solar, wind, storage, and nuclear energy projects. The decision is part of a broader policy effort to diversify India’s energy mix and address rising electricity demand with advanced nuclear technology.

For Bihar, which has historically struggled with power deficits and infrastructure challenges, the project represents a significant shift. Officials say the plant could help provide a more stable electricity supply and support the state’s industrial ambitions.

Alongside the nuclear plant, the Centre has also approved a 1,000 MW battery storage capacity project in Bihar, aimed at enhancing grid stability and supporting renewable energy integration. The government will provide viability gap funding of Rs 18 lakh per MW for this initiative.

SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS