India: India is moving forward with plans to significantly increase its nuclear energy capacity as part of a long-term clean energy strategy. Currently, nuclear power contributes around 3.1 % of the country’s total electricity generation for 2024–25, a relatively small share of the overall energy mix.
At present, India’s installed nuclear capacity stands at 8.78 GW (excluding RAPS-1). The government aims to raise this to approximately 22 GW by 2031–32, driven by projects already under construction or nearing completion.
Looking further ahead, under the Nuclear Energy Mission, India has set a target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047. By 2032, an additional 32 GW is planned to be developed by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), using a mix of indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and Light Water Reactors (LWRs), bringing the total to about 54 GW.
The remaining 46 GW is expected to come from other public sector units, state governments, private companies, and joint ventures, incorporating diverse reactor technologies and investment models.
Supporting this expansion, the government enacted the SHANTI Act, designed to encourage wider participation in the nuclear sector and strengthen regulatory frameworks to meet the mission’s objectives.
Meanwhile, BHAVINI, a subsidiary of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, is commissioning a 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. Pre-project work has also been approved for two more 500 MWe fast breeder units at the same site. Once the PFBR reaches first criticality, financial approval for these additional reactors will follow.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the government’s commitment to expanding nuclear energy as a reliable, low-carbon source to support India’s growing power needs.
Source: Solar Quarter
