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Projected Nuclear Capacity Growth
Comparison of current capacity versus 2047 target
Primary Sources
India to scale nuclear capacity to reach 100 GW by 2047: Report
New Delhi: India has set a major target to scale up its nuclear power capacity to at least 100 GW by 2047, marking the centenary of its independence, as it looks to strengthen long-term energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, according to a new report. As per a report by Khaleej Times, the country currently operates 24 nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of 8,780 MWe (Megawatt electric), while eight more reactors with a capacity of 6,028 MWe are under construction. Government projections indicate that installed nuclear capacity will rise to around 22 GW by the early 2030s before expanding sharply to meet the 100 GW target. To achieve this more than eleven-fold increase, India is pursuing a two-pronged strategy that includes the development of large reactors — such as indigenous 700 MWe pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs) and imported large-capacity units at greenfield sites — alongside smaller modular systems like the 200 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMRs) and 55 MWe SMR-55 units, the report said. A key milestone in this journey was achieved on April 6, 2026, when the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu attained first criticality — the start of a controlled nuclear fission chain reaction. The development is being seen as a major step in advancing India’s indigenous nuclear technology and ensuring long-term fuel sustainability. India’s nuclear programme is built around a three-stage strategy designed to maximise limited uranium resources while leveraging its vast thorium reserves. The first stage uses PHWRs fuelled by natural uranium to produce plutonium. The second stage involves fast breeder reactors that use plutonium as fuel and generate more fissile material than they consume. The final stage aims to utilise thorium-based reactors, producing uranium-233 to sustain long-term nuclear power generation. According to the report, the PFBR uses uranium-plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel and liquid sodium as a coolant, enabling it to produce more fuel than it consumes while paving the way for eventual thorium use. The 500 MWe reactor is capable of supplying electricity to around half a million homes.Tags
India's Nuclear Power Expansion: Roadmap to 100 GW Capacity by 2047
In the 2025–26 Budget, the Union Finance Minister announced a plan to increase India’s nuclear power capacity from about 8,180 MW to 100 GW by 2047. This aligns with India’s goals of Viksit Bharat by 2047 and net-zero emissions by 2070. Key Restrictions on the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 State Monopoly: Nuclear power generation was restricted exclusively to the Government of India. Role of DAE: The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) was authorised to own, build and operate nuclear power plants. Limited Private Participation: Private sector participation in nuclear power generation was not permitted under the framework. UPSC Online Coaching Current Status and Strategic Importance Low Energy Share: Nuclear energy currently contributes about 3% of India’s total electricity generation, significantly lower than countries such as France, where it accounts for nearly 70%. Baseload Power: The minimum, continuous level of electricity demand that must be supplied at all times by stable and reliable power sources. Unlike solar and wind energy, which are intermittent, nuclear power provides reliable baseload electricity with continuous generation. Nuclear power plants are highly land-efficient, requiring significantly less land compared to solar or wind power for similar electricity generation. Capacity Targets: India’s installed nuclear capacity is about 8,180 MW, and the government aims to expand it to 100 GW (1 lakh MW) by 2047. Socio-Economic and Environmental Goals Rising Energy Demand: Expanding nuclear capacity is important for India’s development, as per capita electricity consumption of about 1,400 kWh remains much lower than China at about 7,000 kWh and the United States at about 12,000 kWh. Net-Zero Commitment: Nuclear energy supports India’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, as it provides low-carbon electricity with minimal operational emissions. SHANTI Act Ending Monopoly: The proposed SHANTI Act (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India) seeks to replace the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, which earlier restricted nuclear power generation largely to government entities. Private Sector Participation: The new framework proposes to allow private sector participation in the construction and operation of nuclear power plants, enabling industries to meet their energy requirements while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Liability Framework Reform: The Act also proposes revisions to the Civil Liability for Nu...
India Targets 100 GW Nuclear Power by 2047 to Boost Energy Security
India has set a major target to scale up its nuclear power capacity to at least 100 GW by 2047, marking the centenary of its independence, as it looks to strengthen long-term energy security and ...
Nuclear leap: India targets huge 100 GW capacity in bold move
New Delhi: India is set to significantly expand its nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047, aligning with the centenary of independence, as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen energy ...
