In a landmark meeting held at Parliament House, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Atomic Energy Dr. Jitendra Singh laid out an ambitious roadmap to scale India’s nuclear power capacity to 100 gigawatts (GW) by 2047. The plan, aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a clean and self-reliant energy future under the “Viksit Bharat” initiative, marks a transformative moment in India’s energy strategy.
From 8.8 GW to 100 GW: A Timeline of Transformation
India’s current nuclear power capacity stands at 8.8 GW, generated from 25 reactors. The ministers outlined a phased expansion plan:
22 GW by 2032
49 GW by 2037
67 GW by 2042
100 GW by 2047
This trajectory reflects a nearly twelvefold increase over two decades, positioning nuclear energy as a cornerstone of India’s clean energy transition and a critical tool for achieving net-zero emissions.
Small Modular Reactors: The Future of Nuclear Innovation
A key highlight of the meeting was the government’s push for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which offer scalable, safer, and more flexible nuclear solutions. India is currently developing three types of SMRs:
200 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR)
55 MWe SMR
5 MWth High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (dedicated to hydrogen production)
These reactors are designed for captive use in energy-intensive industries and are being developed indigenously. The Bharat SMR program has already received strong interest from private players, prompting an extension of the Request for Proposal (RFP) deadline to September 30, 2025.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the importance of private sector participation, stating, “The response from industry has been vibrant. We are committed to handholding and creating awareness to ensure India leads the next wave of nuclear innovation.”
Policy Reforms and Private Sector Entry
The meeting also addressed regulatory reforms to facilitate private sector entry into nuclear energy—a sector traditionally dominated by public enterprises. Proposed amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act are under legal review to enable qualified private companies to operate nuclear facilities.
These companies will be evaluated based on financial health, technical expertise, and experience in large-scale infrastructure projects. The move is expected to unlock new investment, accelerate deployment, and diversify India’s energy mix.
Fast-Tracking Implementation
To meet the ambitious targets, the ministers issued directives to:
Streamline regulatory clearances
Standardize documentation
Optimize processing timelines
Synchronize licensing procedures
Invest in technical upgradation and capacity building
Senior officials from the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), and NTPC were present to align institutional efforts with the national roadmap.
Strategic and Environmental Impact
India’s push toward nuclear energy is not just about power generation—it’s a strategic pivot. With electricity demand expected to quadruple by 2047, nuclear energy offers a reliable, low-carbon solution that complements solar and wind.
Moreover, nuclear power provides base-load stability, essential for industrial growth and urban development. The inclusion of hydrogen-producing reactors also aligns with India’s National Hydrogen Mission, further integrating nuclear into the broader clean energy ecosystem.
Public and Industry Response
The announcement has sparked optimism among energy experts and industry leaders. Many view the 100 GW target as ambitious but achievable, provided policy reforms and infrastructure investments keep pace.
Social media buzzed with reactions, with hashtags like #NuclearIndia, #SMRRevolution, and #ViksitBharat trending. Analysts praised the government’s proactive stance and its willingness to embrace innovation and private collaboration.
Sources: Moneycontrol, MSN, Daily Excelsior, Economic Times
