Powering Viksit Bharat with 100 GW Nuclear—Securing Energy Independence, Advancing Net-Zero.

India Charts Ambitious Roadmap to Achieve 100 GW Nuclear Capacity by 2047

In a landmark move to strengthen India’s clean energy transition, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Ministry of Power has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap to scale up nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047, a more than tenfold increase from the current 8.88 GW. The plan positions nuclear energy as a critical pillar in India’s journey towards becoming a USD 30 trillion economy and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Nuclear as the Backbone of Energy Security

The roadmap underscores nuclear power’s role as a base-load, low-carbon energy source that can complement renewable energy by addressing intermittency challenges. Beyond electricity, nuclear plants are expected to support hydrogen production, desalination, and industrial decarbonization, making them central to India’s broader energy and economic strategy.

The Road to 100 GW

To meet the target, India will need to add an average of 4.1 GW annually over the next 22 years. The roadmap outlines a technology-diverse strategy:

• Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) will remain the mainstay in the near term.

• Pressurised Water Reactors (PWRs) will be expedited and indigenized to reduce costs.

• Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) and thorium-based systems will unlock long-term fuel security.

• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) will cater to captive and industrial applications.

Policy and Legal Reforms

The committee has recommended amendments to the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, to allow private and state participation in nuclear generation and fuel cycle activities. It also calls for revisions to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act, 2010, to cap supplier liability and remove overlapping civil liabilities. Tariff reforms, including competitive bidding mechanisms, are also proposed to attract investment.

Financing the Expansion

The roadmap estimates an investment requirement of ₹19 lakh crore. To mobilize this capital, the report suggests:

• Fleet-mode procurement to reduce costs.

• Climate finance inclusion of nuclear energy.

• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in nuclear projects.

• Innovative financing models such as securitization of revenues and back-loaded tariff structures.

Fuel and Resource Security

By 2047, India will require 8,000 tonnes of natural uranium and 1,000 tonnes of enriched uranium annually. Strategies include expanding domestic mining, acquiring overseas mines, diversifying imports, and scaling up indigenous enrichment and fabrication capabilities. Heavy water demand is projected to peak at 6,400 tonnes by 2040, necessitating expansion and possible corporatization of the Heavy Water Board.

Public Perception and Engagement

Recognizing the importance of community trust, the roadmap proposes classifying nuclear power plants under the “Green Category” of the CPCB, enhancing neighborhood engagement, and leveraging social media to counter misinformation.

Workforce and Institutional Strengthening

The plan emphasizes building the “Nuclear Workforce of Tomorrow”, strengthening the vendor ecosystem, and creating a Design & Site Support Agency to streamline project approvals and technical support.

A Defining Moment

Unveiling the roadmap, officials highlighted that nuclear power is not just about energy security but also about industrial competitiveness, climate leadership, and technological sovereignty. With enabling reforms, innovative financing, and global partnerships, India’s nuclear journey could redefine its energy landscape by 2047.

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