Page 55 - Policy Economic Report - April 2026

POLICY AND ECONOMIC REPORT
OIL & GAS MARKET

Achieving this milestone demonstrates the strength of India’s indigenous design, engineering and
manufacturing ecosystem. The reactor incorporates advanced safety systems, high-temperature liquid
sodium coolant technology and a closed fuel cycle approach that enables recycling of nuclear materials,
thereby improving sustainability and reducing waste.

The project also reflects the dedication of significant number of scientists, engineers, technicians and
industry partners who have contributed to the design, fabrication and construction of the reactor using
predominantly indigenous technologies and components. Their efforts highlight the nation’s growing
capability in advanced nuclear engineering and reinforce India’s commitment to technological self-
reliance complying with Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Beyond energy generation, the fast breeder programme strengthens strategic capabilities in nuclear fuel
cycle technologies, advanced materials, reactor physics and large-scale engineering. The knowledge and
infrastructure developed through this programme will support future reactor designs and next-generation
nuclear technologies.

As India continues to expand its clean energy portfolio, fast breeder reactors will play a crucial role in
delivering reliable, low-carbon, base-load power with higher thermal efficiency. The attainment of first
criticality represents not only a technological milestone but also a major step towards a sustainable and
self-reliant energy future for Viksit Bharat.

India positioning itself as a global player in clean energy; there is an integrated push on hydrogen,
nuclear and innovation: Dr. Jitendra Singh

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO,
Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that India is
steadily positioning itself as a global player in the Clean Energy landscape through a calibrated mix of
policy support, technological innovation, and industry participation.

The Minister said the country is simultaneously advancing green hydrogen, expanding Nuclear Energy
capacity, and strengthening renewable sources, while building indigenous capabilities in critical
technologies such as electrolyzers. Emphasising the need for scaling up through public-private
partnerships, he said India’s approach is focused on creating a robust and self-reliant ecosystem
supported by enhanced research funding and innovation-led growth.

Dr. Jitendra Singh was addressing the World Hydrogen Energy Summit alongside the World Petrocoal
Congress at the NDMC Convention Centre, New Delhi. The conference brought together policymakers,
global industry leaders, domain experts and stakeholders from petroleum, coal, gas and emerging
hydrogen sectors, providing a platform for deliberations on future energy pathways.

Referring to India’s evolving energy roadmap, the Minister said the country is pursuing a multi-
dimensional strategy that combines energy security with sustainability. He said India is targeting nearly
100 billion US dollars in oil and gas investments, expansion of exploration areas to 1 million square
kilometres, and increasing the share of natural gas in the energy mix to 15 percent. At the same time,
India’s refining capacity continues to expand, placing it among leading nations globally.

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