India's Nuclear Power Plan: 100 GW Capacity Target by 2047, Indigenous SMRs to Lead Next Phase
India is preparing for a major expansion of its nuclear energy programme, with the Centre unveiling a roadmap to increase the country's nuclear power capacity to 100 gigawatts (GW) by 2047. The initiative, announced under the Nuclear Energy Mission in the Union Budget 2025-26, is aimed at meeting India's growing electricity demand while supporting its commitment to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2070.
The plan reflects the government's long-term vision of making nuclear energy a stronger pillar of India's clean energy mix, providing reliable round-the-clock electricity alongside renewable sources such as solar and wind.
Nuclear capacity to grow steadily
India currently has an installed nuclear power capacity of 8.78 GW. As reactors already under construction are completed, this is expected to increase to around 22 GW by 2031-32.
Beyond that, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) plans to add another 32 GW through a combination of indigenous 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and advanced Light Water Reactors (LWRs). This would take NPCIL's total capacity to around 54 GW by 2047.
The remaining 46 GW is expected to come from projects developed by Central and State public sector companies, joint ventures and private sector participation under different business models.
Small reactors, big ambitions
A key feature of the roadmap is India's focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Unlike conventional nuclear plants, SMRs are smaller, can be built faster and are suitable for industries, remote locations and replacing ageing coal-fired power stations.
The government has set a target of operationalising at least five indigenous SMRs by 2033.
Scientists at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) have already developed designs for three types of indigenous reactors:
- Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200) with a capacity of 220 MW, estimated to cost ₹5,960 crore.
- Twin-unit SMR-55, generating 55 MW, with an estimated project cost of ₹7,000 crore.
- High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (HTGCR) with a thermal capacity of up to 5 MW, designed for specialised applications including hydrogen production, at an estimated cost of ₹320 crore.
Construction of these reactors is expected to take five to six years after financial approval.
Built in India
The Centre has made it clear that India does not currently plan to seek international collaboration for SMR technology. Officials say the country already has the scientific expertise and technical capability needed to develop advanced reactor systems independently.
However, India will continue participating in technical programmes organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency to exchange knowledge and learn from global best practices.
Why nuclear matters
As India's electricity demand continues to rise, experts believe nuclear energy will become increasingly important because it provides uninterrupted, low-carbon power throughout the day, unlike renewable sources that depend on weather conditions.
The expansion is expected to support energy-intensive industries, future hydrogen production, electric mobility and the country's rapidly growing digital infrastructure, while helping reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Source- The details of the roadmap were shared by Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
Image - AI Generated
Author - Umesh Kumar Shimladka
Managing Editor, Nuclear. IN Magazine
India Nuclear Forum
Keywords
India nuclear power, Nuclear Energy Mission, Small Modular Reactors India, BSMR-200, NPCIL, BARC, clean energy, nuclear roadmap, Citizen News Puttur