India Targets 100 GW Nuclear Capacity By 2047

New Delhi, India is targeting a more than tenfold expansion in nuclear power capacity—from 8.8 GW currently to 100 GW by 2047—as part of its long-term clean energy transition strategy, according to Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority.

Speaking at a session on India’s nuclear roadmap in the national capital, Prasad said a detailed plan has been drawn up to achieve the ambitious target, with legislative reforms playing a central role. He noted that a key milestone—the enactment of the Shanti Act—has already been completed, while work is ongoing to frame supporting rules, procedures, and implementation guidelines.

Efforts are currently focused on accelerating policy execution, improving financing mechanisms, and standardising processes to make nuclear power more cost-effective. The roadmap also addresses critical enablers such as fuel security, site development, and the creation of a skilled workforce to support large-scale capacity addition.

Highlighting structural changes in the sector, Prasad indicated that nuclear energy could see broader participation going forward. While the segment is currently dominated by a single operator, as many as 10–12 companies are expected to enter the space, potentially accelerating project execution and investment flows.

On the operational front, nuclear energy was emphasised as a reliable source of baseload power, capable of delivering continuous generation with high stability. Prasad also noted that, when managed effectively, nuclear power remains among the safest forms of energy generation.

Looking ahead, emerging technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are expected to play a critical role in the future energy mix. While still under development globally, SMRs offer potential for scalable, cleaner, and more flexible nuclear deployment.