Reliance Takes Bold Step with New Nuclear Reactors: Insights from Mukesh Ambani on the Latest Government Policy

Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries, announced exciting plans for clean energy development in Assam. He stated that the company aims to transform Assam into a center for green energy, which will include nuclear power.

During the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025, Ambani mentioned that this initiative aligns with the government’s new policy that encourages private companies to invest in the nuclear sector.

Just recently, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) opened up requests for proposals from Indian companies to set up 220 MW Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs). This move marks a significant step towards inviting private players into nuclear energy production.

India plans to expand its nuclear energy capacity significantly by 2047, aiming for a tripling of the current 8.1 gigawatts by 2030. Currently, NPCIL is responsible for all civil nuclear plants in the country.

BSRs are designed as compact, 220 MW pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWR) known for their safety and efficiency. These small reactors can be deployed flexibly, making them a cost-effective choice compared to larger nuclear plants. The global trend is shifting towards smaller modular reactors like BSRs for energy generation.

In the Union Budget for 2024-25, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the private sector would be allowed to invest in nuclear power. She indicated that private companies could participate in BSR projects under the existing legal framework. Proposals for these projects are due by March 31, 2025, and, once completed, the assets will be managed by NPCIL under a long-term agreement.

At the summit, Ambani also revealed plans to increase Reliance’s investments in Assam from ₹12,000 crore to ₹50,000 crore over the next five years. This investment will include establishing high-performance computing facilities and an AI-ready data center in the region. He highlighted plans to build two advanced biogas hubs that will convert waste into clean biogas, producing about 8 lakh tonnes annually—enough to power 2 lakh passenger cars each day.