India is steadily working to expand its nuclear energy capacity as part of its long-term clean energy strategy, with the government outlining an ambitious roadmap to significantly increase nuclear power generation over the coming decades. At present, nuclear energy contributes around 3.1% to the country’s total electricity generation for the year 2024–25, reflecting a relatively modest share in the overall energy mix.
The government now aims to substantially raise this contribution by scaling up installed nuclear power capacity. Currently, India’s nuclear capacity stands at 8.78 GW (excluding RAPS-1). According to official plans, this is expected to grow to about 22 GW by 2031–32, driven by the progressive completion of projects that are already under construction or in advanced stages of implementation.
Looking further ahead, the government has set a long-term target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 under the Nuclear Energy Mission. As part of this roadmap, an additional 32 GW of nuclear capacity is planned to be developed beyond 2032 by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). These projects will primarily include indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and Light Water Reactors (LWRs), bringing the total capacity to approximately 54 GW by that stage.
To meet the remaining target, an additional 46 GW of nuclear capacity is expected to be developed through participation from other public sector enterprises, state governments, private players, and joint ventures. These projects will involve a mix of reactor technologies and business models, signaling a broader push to diversify and accelerate nuclear energy development in the country.
In support of this expansion, the government has enacted the SHANTI Act, which is intended to facilitate wider participation in the nuclear power sector and strengthen the framework needed to achieve the Nuclear Energy Mission goals.
Meanwhile, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited’s subsidiary, BHAVINI, is currently in the process of commissioning a 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu. The government has also approved pre-project activities for two additional 500 MWe fast breeder reactor units at the same site. Once the PFBR achieves first criticality, financial approval for these future projects will be sought.
This update was shared by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, highlighting the government’s commitment to expanding nuclear energy as a reliable and low-carbon power source.
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