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India’s ambition to become a global clean-energy leader took a significant leap forward with the Government of India’s latest parliamentary disclosures on the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat. The mission, designed to rapidly scale India’s nuclear power capacity to 100 GWe by 2047, is central to achieving the national objective of Net Zero by 2070 and strengthening India’s base-load power capabilities through clean, reliable, and indigenous technologies.
The comprehensive updates presented in Parliament confirm India’s strategic shift from conventional fossil-fuel dependence toward a future-ready nuclear energy ecosystem rooted in technological self-reliance, industrial capacity expansion, and decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors.
Nuclear Energy Mission: A Cornerstone for Viksit Bharat 2047
The Mission outlines a multi-dimensional roadmap to place nuclear power at the heart of India’s long-term energy security framework. Its primary goals include:
Achieving 100 GWe nuclear power capacity by 2047
Reducing carbon emissions by replacing fossil-fuel-based base-load power
Expanding indigenous nuclear technology capabilities
Bringing nuclear power to industries, remote regions, and mobility sectors
Nuclear energy—known for its reliability and minimal carbon footprint—is being positioned as the backbone of India’s stable energy supply, complementing the rapid expansion of solar, wind, and green hydrogen.
Two-pronged Strategy: Large Reactors & Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
India’s approach combines rapid expansion through mega-reactors and flexible deployment via advanced SMR technology.
1. Large Indigenous and Imported Reactors for Grid-Level Expansion
Major reactors currently in focus include:
700 MWe Indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs)
Large imported reactors at greenfield sites
Key operational achievements already include Kakrapar Units 3 & 4 (2×700 MW) and Rajasthan Unit-7 (700 MW), strengthening the national grid.
NPCIL’s projections reflect:
22 GW nuclear capacity by 2031–32 from projects under implementation
54 GW nuclear capacity by 2047, marking a massive scale-up from the current ~8.78 GW
These numbers represent one of the most ambitious nuclear expansion plans globally.
2. Bharat Small Modular Reactors: Future of Clean Industrial Power
BARC and NPCIL are spearheading India’s entry into the next generation of nuclear energy—SMRs—designed for efficiency, modular construction, and versatile deployment.
Key SMR Models Under Development
BSMR-200 (200 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor)
SMR-55 (55 MWe Small Modular Reactor)
Up to 5 MWth High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor for hydrogen production
These reactors are engineered for:
Repurposing retiring coal-based power plants
Captive power generation for heavy industries such as steel, aluminum, and metals
Energy access in remote/off-grid locations
Hydrogen production for clean mobility and industrial processes
The reactors’ lead units will be constructed at DAE sites, with demonstration facilities expected within 60–72 months after project sanction.
Hydrogen Production: A Transformational Add-on
The development of high-temperature gas-cooled reactors introduces a breakthrough pathway for:
Green hydrogen generation
Decarbonising transport and industrial sectors
Supporting India’s National Hydrogen Mission
Hydrogen produced from these reactors may soon power mobility, refineries, fertilizers, and chemical manufacturing—positioning nuclear-based hydrogen as a strategic clean-energy asset.
Indigenous Capability: India’s Nuclear Manufacturing Strength
A significant highlight is India’s ability to manufacture most equipment domestically, backed by:
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
Indian industries with growing nuclear-grade capabilities
Strong R&D focused on safety enhancements and advanced fuel cycles
This reduces dependence on foreign technology and strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat in the critical energy sector.
Uranium Resources: Strengthening Fuel Security
The Atomic Minerals Directorate has established 4,36,700 tonnes of in-situ U3O8 resources across 47 uranium deposits in:
Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Recent discoveries include:
28,637 tonnes U-oxide resource at Jaduguda North–Baglasai–Mechua, Jharkhand
—an extension of the historic Jaduguda uranium belt.
This resource expansion strengthens the long-term sustainability of India’s nuclear programme.
Safety Oversight: Stringent Compliance with Global Norms
India’s nuclear mining and reactor development remain subject to multi-layered regulation from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), aligned with IAEA safety standards.
AERB ensures:
Radiological safety in mining & milling
Waste management compliance
Multi-stage safety reviews before project approvals
Regular inspections and monitoring
This commitment reinforces the global trustworthiness of India’s nuclear ecosystem.
NPCIL’s Action Plan: Fast-Tracking the Road to 100 GWe
To align with the 2047 target, NPCIL is:
Accelerating ongoing PHWR and imported reactor projects
Seeking sanction for new PHWR projects at existing and newly identified sites
Issuing Request for Proposals (RFPs) for Bharat Small Reactors
– RFP submission deadline extended to 31 March 2026Collaborating with BARC for design and deployment of SMRs
This integrated roadmap—prepared jointly by DAE, Ministry of Power, and the Central Electricity Authority—provides a well-defined expansion strategy.
Strategic Impact on India’s Energy & Industrial Landscape
The Nuclear Energy Mission is expected to:
1. Boost Energy Reliability & Climate Commitments
India’s growing electricity demand requires stable, round-the-clock energy—which nuclear provides without emissions.
2. Support MSMEs & Large Industries
SMRs offer affordable captive power, reducing dependence on costly grid electricity or fossil fuels.
3. Enable Coal Plant Repurposing
Hundreds of aging thermal plants can be converted into clean nuclear assets—a global first.
4. Transform Industrial Decarbonisation
Steel, cement, aluminium, and chemical industries can significantly cut emissions through nuclear-based power and hydrogen.
5. Advance India's Global Leadership
With indigenous reactor technology and robust uranium resources, India is poised to emerge as a nuclear innovation hub for the Global South.
Conclusion: Nuclear Power as a Pillar of Viksit Bharat
The new parliamentary disclosures reaffirm India’s determination to scale nuclear energy as a strategic pillar of economic growth, energy independence, and climate action. From mega-reactors to advanced SMRs and nuclear-based hydrogen, India is not merely expanding capacity but also redefining the future of clean energy.
For a rapidly developing nation targeting Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Nuclear Energy Mission stands as a transformative force—powering industries, enabling net-zero commitments, and positioning India as a global nuclear power leader.