Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: India’s nuclear sector is entering a decisive phase. At a time when global energy markets face uncertainty and nations struggle to balance emissions targets with reliable power supply, nuclear energy is once again emerging as a central pillar of long-term planning.
The International Energy Agency’s latest assessments show nuclear power expanding across Asia, Europe and West Asia, supported by a strategic revival of interest in large reactors as well as small modular reactors (SMRs).
In this global resurgence, India’s nuclear expansion is being closely monitored. With 24 operating reactors producing 8.8–9 giga watts (gw) of electricity, India ranks among nations with sizeable but underleveraged nuclear capacity. The Government’s long-term objective is far more ambitious: To achieve 100 gw of nuclear power by 2047, when India marks a century of its Independence.
The path, however, will require major reforms, new fuel partnerships, faster construction cycles and renewed clarity in nuclear legislation.
Present nuclear strength India’s current nuclear capacity reflects both progress and limitations. According to official datasets: v 24 reactors are operational, producing between 8,780 mw and 9,000 mw (gross capacity). v Nuclear power contributes around 3 per cent to India’s electricity.
v Six reactors (4,768 mw) are under construction across multiple states. v An additional 10 reactors (8,000 mw) are sanctioned and progressing through pre-project activities. Despite these expansions, India remains far behind China, which has built 38 reactors since 2010, and continues to add units at one of the fastest rates in the world. Global momentum After years of hesitation triggered by the Chernobyl and Fukushima accidents, the world’s energy transition is pushing governments back towards nuclear power. The IEA estimates that more than 70 gw of new capacity is under construction worldwide. Major economies are adopting new reactor designs and backing SMR projects to reduce timelines and enhance safety margins. Countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Russia, South Korea and France are accelerating reactor construction, while the United States and Japan are reviving dormant facilities. Energy security concerns, rising data centre loads and the limitations of intermittent renewable energy have contributed to this shift. India’s trajectory fits into this broader global realignment — but with a distinctly domestic set of challenges.
Why India needs nuclear
India’s electricity demand is projected to double within the next two decades, driven by industrial expansion, mobility electrification and the rise of large data centre clusters. The country also aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2070.
Nuclear power is viewed as indispensable for three main reasons: 1. A reliable baseload source capable of supporting round-the-clock supply. 2. Low operational emissions, critical for longterm climate goals. 3. Energy security, since a single reactor can operate for years on a tiny quantity of fuel. India’s energy planners agree that renewables alone cannot meet national requirements without a large block of firm, clean power— where nuclear plays a unique role.
Domestic technology gains The commissioning of India’s indigenous 700 mwe Pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs) at Kakrapar has been a significant milestone. These reactors, designed by Indian engineers and built largely with domestic components, are expected to form the backbone of India’s future nuclear expansion. They offer improved safety features, higher efficiency and shorter construction cycles compared to earlier models.
At the same time, India continues to develop the prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam. Once operational, the 500 mw unit will allow India to breed plutonium from uranium and eventually deploy its abundant thorium reserves — placing the country in a rare technological bracket. Alongside these developments, India is also studying small modular reactors (SMRs), which could be installed near industrial hubs or deployed on brownfield coal-plant sites.
International partnerships India’s largest nuclear facility, the Kudankulam plant in Tamil Nadu, reflects the continued strength of the India–Russia nuclear partnership. Six VVER-1000 reactors are planned at the site, with units 5 and 6 moving through advanced stages of construction. This cooperation has helped India deepen its technical experience with large light-water reactor designs.
Beyond Russia, India has strengthened uranium supply partnerships with Kazakhstan, Australia, Canada and France. These agreements are crucial, as India’s domestic uranium resources are low-grade and insufficient to support large-scale expansion.
What’s nuking expansion
While India has a strong civil nuclear framework, several bottlenecks still slow progress.
Fuel supply constraints: India must secure predictable, long-term uranium contracts to run existing reactors and fuel upcoming units. Global competition for uranium is intensifying as more countries expand their nuclear programmes. Legislative hurdles: The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA) remains a key concern for foreign suppliers, who seek greater clarity on indemnification in case of accidents. Without addressing these issues, private investment and international reactor partnerships may not scale.
Delays in clearances: Projects at Jaitapur (Maharashtra), Kovvada (Andhra Pradesh), Chutka (Madhya Pradesh) and Gorakhpur (Haryana) have faced delays due to land acquisition hurdles, environmental assessments, and slowed financial closure. Long construction timelines: Nuclear projects can take 12–15 years from conception to completion, compared to just 18–24 months for solar or wind installations. Reducing this lag will require stronger coordination between Central agencies, state governments and regulatory authorities
PROJECT WATCH
• PFBR, Kalpakkam: India’s first 500 mw fast breeder reactor
• Kudankulam Units 5 & 6: Russian VVER1000 units
• Kaiga Units 5 & 6: New 700 mwe indigenous phwrs
• Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana: Two phwrs of 700 mwe each
• SMR Initiatives: Early-stage designs under study for domestic deployment
The road ahead: 2032 to 2047
The Government has mapped out a phased nuclear expansion that aligns with India’s broader energy transition goals. By 2032
Raise nuclear capacity to 22.5 gw
Complete all under-construction reactors
Begin deployment of SMRs
Strengthen uranium procurement networks By 2040
Reach 50–60 gw
Commission multiple fast-breeder reactors
Bring in larger private participation in manufacturing and supply chains By 2047
Achieve 100 gw of nuclear power
Nuclear contributes up to 20 per cent of India’s electricity
Establish thoriumbased fuel cycle as a long-term domestic resource
