What are the major steps taken by India to diversify its Energy Portfolio through clean and safe sources?

 Question: What are the  major steps taken by India to diversify its Energy Portfolio through clean and safe sources? (data upto December,2025)

Ans: The following are the major steps taken by India in this regard :- 

A)NUCLEAR POWER:- 

1. Nuclear power has huge potential to ensure long term energy security and is vital for India’s clean energy transition towards Net Zero by 2070. It is a clean and environment friendly source of base load power which is available 24x7. The lifecycle emissions of nuclear power are comparable to those of renewables like hydro and wind. The Government of India has set an ambitious target of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047. Following steps have been taken to diversify India’s energy portfolio through Nuclear Energy:

i. A dedicated Nuclear Energy Mission with an allocation of ₹20,000 crore has been launched to develop at least five indigenously designed Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033 and promote advanced nuclear technologies.

ii. Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 are being taken up to encourage private sector investment.

iii. Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) of 220 MW capacity based on India’s proven Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology are being upgraded for deployment in industrial hubs to support decarbonisation. 

BARC is also developing Small Modular Reactors for repurposing retiring coal stations and for remote-area applications.

iv. India’s fuel security is being enhanced through new uranium discoveries, including a significant discovery that would extend the life of the Jaduguda mine by over 50 years. Progress in the closed fuel cycle, such as milestones achieved in the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor, will further support sustainable fuel supply.

v. To accelerate capacity addition, NPCIL and NTPC have formed the joint venture ASHVINI for developing nuclear power plants within the existing legal framework.

B)BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS (BESS):- 

2. Government of India, in September 2023, approved a Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme for development of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). BESS capacity of 13.22 GWh is under implementation with a budgetary allocation of Rs 3,760 Cr. under this scheme. Considering the increasing demand of BESS, Ministry of Power, in June 2025, has approved another VGF scheme for development of 30 GWh BESS capacity with a financial support of Rs 5,400 Cr from Power System Development Fund (PSDF).

3. Ministry of Power has introduced a policy to promote Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) to support renewable energy integration and grid stability. At present, 10 Pumped Storage Projects totaling 11,870 MW are under construction in the country.

C)OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY PROJECTS:-

4. Strategy for Establishments of Offshore Wind Energy Projects has been issued. Viability gap funding will be provided for harnessing offshore wind energy potential for initial capacity of one giga-watt.

D)GREEN HYDROGEN MISSION and associated renewable energy :-

5. Green Hydrogen Mission would contribute significantly to India’s efforts for decarbonization and also create opportunities for employment and economic development. The Mission targets setting up at least 5 MMT per annum of green hydrogen capacity  with an associated renewable energy capacity of about 125 GW by 2030.