As India’s population and economy surge, so do its electricity needs. With demand expected to triple to 708 GW by 2047, and given its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, India stands at a critical juncture. Achieving its ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision—of becoming a developed economy by 2047—will require long-term planning and significant energy investments. As part of this transition, the government plans to scale nuclear capacity from 8.88 GW today to 100 GW by 2047.
Current status
As of April 2025, India operates 25 commercial nuclear reactors with a total capacity of 8.88 GW (Department of Atomic Energy, 2025). This share is set to grow significantly, with the government targeting 22.48 GW of installed nuclear capacity by 2031–32 (Department of Atomic Energy, 2024a).
Ongoing expansion
Key expansion drivers include:
- Ten new reactors (8 GW) under construction across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh (PIB).
- Ten additional reactors in the pre-project stages (Ministry of Power, 2025).
- Near-term capacity additions of approximately 5.3 GW by 2026, including four 700 MW pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs) at Kakrapar and Rawatbhata and two 1,000 MW reactors (Vodo-Vodyanoi Energetichesky Reaktors) at Kudankulam (Press Information Bureau, 2024).
India’s three-stage nuclear programme
India’s long-term nuclear strategy is based on a three-stage approach that leverages its large thorium reserves (≈21% of global supply):
- Stage I: Natural uranium-fuelled PHWRs generate power and produce plutonium as a by-product—critical for Stage II. India is currently in Stage I, with significant operating capacity (8.88 GW) primarily based on PHWR technology.
- Stage II: The plutonium from Stage I powers fast breeder reactors (FBRs), which generate more fissile material than they consume. India entered the initial operational phase of Stage II with the start of fuel loading at the 500 MW PFBR in Kalpakkam in 2024 (Department of Atomic Energy, 2024b). Commercial scaling is still in the early stages.
- Stage III: Thorium-based reactors will generate U-233 for long-term, sustainable power. These are currently in the R&D stage, with work ongoing on molten-salt and gas-cooled designs.
Ambitions for 2047
India aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047—equivalent to roughly 10% of its projected electricity demand (Ministry of Power, 2025). This target, under the Nuclear Energy Mission, includes:
- Allocating INR 20,000 crore for establishing indigenous small modular reactors (SMRs) by 2033 (16–300 MW each). These modular reactors will supply baseload power to industry and remote regions. SMRs complement Stage I and early Stage II by expanding PHWR output and enabling plutonium generation. Advanced SMRs could support thorium-based Stage III, shortening India’s timeline to full fuel-cycle closure.
- Opening the sector to private players through proposed amendments to the Atomic Energy Act (1962) and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (2010), enabling greater domestic and foreign investment.
- Establishing public–private partnerships (PPPs) to co-develop 220 MW Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs), to replace retiring coal plants and power manufacturing zones.
- Fostering international cooperation with France and the US on reactors and safety.
- Creating a new National Research Foundation to steer advanced R&D, especially in thorium and next-gen reactors (Ministry of Finance, 2025).
Current challenges in expansion
- Implementation risks: Indian reactor projects have historically taken 10–11 years from the laying of first concrete to commercial operations, compared to the global average of 6–8 years, due to bureaucratic delays and site-specific bottlenecks (Ritchie 2023). While recent streamlining efforts (e.g., single-window clearances for SMRs and brownfield sites) are promising, the overall project lifecycle remains vulnerable to administrative friction.
- Financial and economic hurdles: Nuclear power is capital-intensive, and without long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs), subsidies, or concessional financing, the sector struggles to compete with cheaper renewable energy sources like solar and wind (Tellis, 2024). The government announced financial measures in 2025, including a green classification for nuclear power, tax benefits, and viability gap funding for SMRs; however, large-scale deployment hinges on effective implementation and investor confidence.
- Supply chain and workforce constraints: India relies on imported uranium, with limited domestic production and no commercial enrichment facilities. Scaling up nuclear manufacturing requires investments in reactor components, fuel assemblies, and turbines as well as efforts to develop a skilled workforce.
- Legal and regulatory barriers: India’s current legal framework prevents private companies from owning or operating nuclear power plants. The Atomic Energy Act (1962) restricts nuclear generation to state control, while the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (2010) imposes a stringent supplier liability framework, deterring foreign technology providers and investors. The proposed amendments to both laws are under review as part of the government’s efforts to open the sector to private and foreign investment. However, until these are implemented, legal and regulatory uncertainty continues to limit participation at scale.
- Technology readiness: While SMRs are promising, most Indian designs are at the pre-demonstration stage, with no pilot deployed. Similarly, Stage III thorium technologies are still in early R&D. Both face safety validation and regulatory hurdles that could delay their deployment.
- Technical and safety concerns: PHWRs and light-water reactors are commercially mature, but FBRs and thorium-fuelled designs are complex and require time and sustained R&D. Public apprehensions about nuclear safety, radiation risks, and waste disposal persist. Opposition at Kudankulam and Jaitapur highlights the need for effective community engagement and transparent safety practices.
Strategic next steps
- Legal and policy reforms: Enact the proposed amendments to formally permit private and foreign companies to construct and operate reactors (Reuters, 2025).
- Public–private partnerships (PPPs): Promote targeted PPP models, such as the BSR programme, where the domestic private sector provides land and upfront financing while the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) supplies the reactor technology and operational expertise. For example, in January 2025, NPCIL invited bids to build fleets of 220 MW BSRs (PIB)
- Financial and regulatory incentives: Simplify licensing and clearance procedures to reduce project delays. Offer fiscal incentives, such as tax breaks, concessional financing, and a “green energy” classification, to improve investor returns for nuclear energy. Long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) at viable tariffs will be essential to secure stable revenue streams (World Nuclear News 2025).
- Technology development: Sustain momentum under the INR 20,000 crore SMR programme aiming to commission five indigenous SMRs by 2033. Expand R&D on fast breeder reactors, thorium-fuelled systems, and alternative technologies such as molten-salt reactors.
- Fuel supply and closed fuel cycle: Strengthen domestic uranium exploration and mining to reduce reliance on imports. Finalise long-term international fuel supply agreements and expand reprocessing infrastructure to establish a closed fuel cycle using plutonium and U-233.
- Human resource development and public engagement: Strengthen education and training in nuclear engineering across universities and technical institutes. Expand capacity at core institutions, such as Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL). Public outreach campaigns highlighting the safety record, environmental benefits, and energy security of nuclear power will be crucial for building public trust and facilitating smoother project siting.
- International collaboration: Deepen partnerships with key countries—including France, the US, and Russia. Such collaborations will accelerate deployment and strengthen India’s indigenous nuclear capabilities.
Outlook
Reaching 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047 is an ambitious but achievable target for India. With only 22.5 GW of installed nuclear capacity expected by 2032, India must add ~77 GW in the next 15 years. This requires legal reforms, faster clearances, increased private sector involvement, and rapid technology deployment. NPCIL will play a pivotal role, aiming to establish 50 GW of new nuclear capacity—half of the national goal—through PHWR expansion and SMR development. Its joint ventures with National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and private players will be key to scaling up.
Resolving policy bottlenecks, accelerating SMR development, and demonstrating project progress are vital to building investor and public confidence. If 15–20 GW of additional nuclear capacity is made operational by 2030, with further reactors under construction, India will be well-positioned to scale up in 2030–20450. With sustained commitment, coordination, and a supportive regulatory framework, nuclear energy can reliably meet India’s long-term energy and climate goals.
By Kareena Jaisinghani, Senior Analyst, Climate and Sustainability Initiative (CSI). Views expressed are personal.
References
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