The Union Budget 2025-26 has unveiled an ambitious plan to elevate the nation’s nuclear power capacity to 100 gigawatts (GW) by 2047. This initiative highlights the government’s commitment to integrating nuclear energy as a cornerstone of India’s long-term energy strategy, aiming to enhance energy reliability and diminish reliance on fossil fuels.
Central to this strategy is the introduction of the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat, designed to strengthen domestic nuclear capabilities, foster private sector involvement, and expedite the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies, notably Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The government has earmarked ₹20,000 crore for research and development in SMRs, with a target to develop at least five indigenously designed and operational SMRs by 2033.
To facilitate the mission’s objectives, the government plans to amend the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, aiming to create a more conducive environment for private sector investments in nuclear power projects. These legislative changes are anticipated to stimulate innovation and investment in the nuclear sector, aligning with India’s goal of achieving 100 GW of nuclear energy capacity by 2047—a critical milestone for reducing carbon emissions and meeting future energy demands.
As of January 30, 2025, India’s nuclear capacity stands at 8,180 megawatts (MW). The government is actively expanding this capacity through the development of Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) and exploring partnerships with the private sector. BSRs are 220 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) with a proven safety and performance record. These reactors are being upgraded to reduce land requirements, making them suitable for deployment near industries such as steel, aluminium, and metals, serving as captive power plants to aid in decarbonisation efforts.
The plan involves private entities providing land, cooling water, and capital, while the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) handles design, quality assurance, and operation and maintenance, all within the existing legal framework. This initiative aligns with India’s commitment to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy generation by 2030 and meeting 50% of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030, as pledged at the COP26 Summit in Glasgow in 2021.
In addition to BSRs, the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is developing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for repurposing retiring coal-based power plants and meeting power needs in remote locations. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) also plans to introduce new nuclear reactors, including high-temperature gas-cooled reactors for hydrogen co-generation and molten salt reactors aimed at utilising India’s abundant thorium resources.
This strategic move signifies India’s dedication to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing its civil nuclear energy program, with private sector participation playing a crucial role within the bounds of Indian laws and regulations.
India is actively enhancing its nuclear power capacity to meet growing energy demands and achieve environmental goals. The government has initiated steps to increase nuclear power capacity from the current 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32. This expansion includes the construction and commissioning of ten reactors, totalling 8,000 MW, across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, pre-project activities for ten more reactors have commenced, with plans for progressive completion by 2031-32. Further, the government accorded in-principle approval to set up a 6 x 1,208 MW nuclear power plant in cooperation with the USA at Kovvada in Srikakulam district in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
A significant milestone was achieved on September 19, 2024, when the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project’s Unit-7 (RAPP-7), one of the country’s largest and third indigenous nuclear reactors, reached criticality, marking the beginning of a controlled fission chain reaction. This event signifies India’s growing capability in building and operating indigenous nuclear reactors, contributing to a future powered by homegrown technology.
Safety remains a cornerstone of India’s nuclear energy policy. India’s nuclear power plants operate with stringent safety protocols and international oversight. The radiation levels at Indian nuclear facilities are consistently well below global benchmarks, underscoring the country’s commitment to secure and sustainable nuclear energy. These efforts align with India’s broader strategy to provide clean and reliable energy, contributing to long-term energy security and environmental sustainability.
Recent developments in India’s nuclear energy sector include a significant discovery of a new deposit in the country’s oldest Uranium Mine, the Jaduguda Mines, which will increase the life of the mine by more than fifty years. The first two units of the indigenous 700 MWe PHWR at Kakrapar, Gujarat (KAPS – 3 & 4) have started commercial operation in FY 2023-24. The country’s first Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR 500 MWe) achieved many milestones in 2024, including primary sodium filling in the main vessel, purification of the filled sodium, and commissioning of all four sodium pumps. Core loading commenced with the loading of the first reactor control rod on March 4, 2024. Additionally, NPCIL and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) have signed a supplementary Joint Venture agreement to develop nuclear power facilities in the country. The JV, named ASHVINI, will function within the existing legal framework of the Atomic Energy Act 1962 (amended in 2015) and will build, own, and operate nuclear power plants, including the upcoming 4×700 MWe PHWR Mahi-Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project.
The provisions for nuclear power in the Union Budget 2025-26 mark a transformative shift in India’s energy landscape. By promoting nuclear energy as a sustainable, scalable, and secure power source, the government aims to bolster energy security and meet the nation’s long-term economic and environmental goals. The Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat is poised to accelerate nuclear power development, positioning India as a global leader in advanced nuclear technology by 2047.
