The government is adopting a multifarious approach to achieve its target of 22 GW of nuclear power capacity by FY32, with an ultimate goal of reaching 100 GW by 2047.
It was informed in Parliament that specific measures outlined to reach the nuclear capacity goal involve a multifaceted approach that leverages both indigenous development and international collaboration.
Key strategies include continued deployment of Indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), building upon the existing 24 reactors with 8,780 MW capacity.
There are also eight reactors under construction contributing 6,600 MW, which include indigenous 700 MW PHWRs like RAPP 8 and GHAVP 1&2, alongside the Indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) Pressurized FBR (PFBR), and Light Water Reactors (LWRs) with foreign cooperation, as is the case with KKNPP 3&4 and KKNPP 5&6.
Furthermore, 10 reactors are at the pre-project activities stage (sanctioned), set to add another 7,000 MW, encompassing PHWRs like Kaiga 5&6, GHAVP 3&4, Chutka 1&2, and Mahi Banswara 1&2 and 3&4.
With the progressive completion of these projects, the nuclear power capacity in India is projected to reach 22,480 MW (or 22.480 GW) by FY32. The next goal is attaining 100 GW by 2047.
Fast breeder reactors
Future plans also emphasize the development of Indigenous Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs), which align with India’s unique three-stage nuclear power program designed for optimal utilization of its modest uranium and abundant thorium resources through a closed fuel cycle.
Small modular reactors
Additionally, the strategy includes the deployment of Bharat Small Reactors (BSR) for decarbonisation of hard to abate industries, development of Bharat Small Modular Reactors (SMR), including indigenous SMRs of varying capacities, and Indian LWRs.
Enhanced international cooperation is also envisioned, particularly concerning SMRs and fuel, alongside the export of reactors, services, and supplies.
The government has also launched a Nuclear Energy Mission with an outlay of Rs.20,000 crore for research and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
Current capacity
India’s current nuclear power generation capacity stands at 8,780 MW coming from 24 reactors. This excludes the RAPS-1 (Rajasthan atomic power station-1) of 100 MW that is under extended shutdown. In FY25, the total nuclear power generation stood at 56,681 MU (million units or million kwh or GWh) that represented 3 per cent of the total electricity generated that year.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
(Key to abbreviations: RAPP = Rajasthan Atomic Power Plant; KNPP = Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant; GHAVP = Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana)
Featured photograph (source: BHEL) is for representation only