Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), announced that India aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047. Currently, India’s installed capacity stands at approximately 8.8 GW. This shift is part of a larger strategy to meet "Net Zero" targets by 2070 and ensure a stable base-load for the national grid. The plan involves scaling up indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), completing Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs), and introducing Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMRs) through private sector participation under the newly enacted SHANTI Act, 2025.
The Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) officially outlined India’s vision to increase its nuclear power capacity more than ten-fold. The target is to reach 100 GW by 2047, coinciding with India's centenary of independence (Amrit Kaal).
The announcement was made in April 2026 during a high-level energy session in New Delhi. This follows the landmark legislative changes passed in late 2025.
Key players include the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL), and BHAVINI. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) oversees the grid integration. For the first time, private domestic companies and foreign minority stakeholders are now invited to participate in the sector.
The expansion follows a multi-pronged approach:
Nuclear energy provides base-load power, unlike intermittent solar or wind. It is critical for India's commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070. This expansion reduces reliance on coal and ensures energy security for a growing economy.
India’s nuclear journey began with the Atomic Energy Act of 1948, later replaced by the 1962 Act. Homi J. Bhabha formulated the Three-Stage Nuclear Power Programme in the 1950s to utilize India's vast Thorium reserves. A major turning point was the 2008 Civil Nuclear Deal (123 Agreement), which ended India's nuclear isolation.
In December 2025, the Parliament passed the SHANTI Bill (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India), opening the sector to private investment. In 2024, the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam achieved a major technical milestone by reaching criticality.
Nuclear fission in India primarily uses Uranium-235 and Plutonium-239. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is the statutory body (granted status by SHANTI Act) that ensures safety. India's geography allows for coastal plants like Kudankulam, which use seawater for cooling.
By 2047, nuclear power is expected to significantly increase its share in India’s energy mix from the current 3% to over 10-15%. This will likely lead to a massive domestic supply chain for reactor components and position India as a global hub for Small Modular Reactor technology.
Core Concept: India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Programme
Q1. What is India's targeted nuclear power capacity for the year 2047?
A) 22 GW
B) 50 GW
C) 100 GW
D) 150 GW
Answer: C
Explanation: CEA Chairperson announced a 100 GW target to align with India's 2047 centenary goals.
Q2. The recently enacted SHANTI Act 2025 replaced which of the following legislations?
A) Electricity Act, 2003
B) Atomic Energy Act, 1962
C) Environment Protection Act, 1986
D) Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010
Answer: B
Explanation: The SHANTI Act 2025 modernizes the framework and replaces the 1962 Act to allow private participation.
Q3. Which type of reactor is being developed as 'Bharat Small Modular Reactor' (BSMR)?
A) 1000 MWe LWR
B) 220 MWe SMR
C) 500 MWe FBR
D) 700 MWe PHWR
Answer: B
Explanation: The government has approved a pilot 220 MWe Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200) for industrial use.
Q4. Where is India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) located?
A) Narora, Uttar Pradesh
B) Tarapur, Maharashtra
C) Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu
D) Rawatbhata, Rajasthan
Answer: C
Explanation: The 500 MWe PFBR is located at Kalpakkam and is managed by BHAVINI.
Q5. What is the current approximate contribution of nuclear energy to India's total electricity generation?
A) 1.5%
B) 3.1%
C) 10.5%
D) 15.0%
Answer: B
Explanation: As of 2024-25, nuclear energy accounts for about 3.1% of India’s power mix.
Q6. Which mineral found in Monazite sands is the backbone of India's third stage nuclear programme?
A) Uranium
B) Thorium
C) Radium
D) Helium
Answer: B
Explanation: India has massive Thorium deposits in monazite sands, which is the focus of the third stage of its nuclear plan.
PYQ 1:
With reference to the 'Three-Stage Nuclear Power Programme' of India, consider the following statements:
1. The first stage involves the use of natural uranium in Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors.
2. The second stage uses Plutonium-239 to breed Uranium-233 from Thorium.
Answer: Both 1 and 2 are correct. Stage 1 generates the initial Plutonium, and Stage 2 uses a Thorium blanket to produce Uranium-233.
PYQ 2:
Assertion (A): India is focusing on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) alongside large nuclear plants.
Reason (R): SMRs require less land, have lower capital costs, and can be used for captive power by heavy industries.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. SMRs are being promoted specifically for their flexibility and private sector compatibility.
Question: "Evaluate the significance of the 100 GW nuclear power target for India’s energy security and its commitment to Net Zero emissions by 2070."
For Prelims, focus on plant locations, reactor types (PHWR vs FBR), and the specific targets/years. For Mains, the focus is on the "Policy Shift" (SHANTI Act) and why nuclear is necessary despite the rise of solar power. Examiners often ask about the "Three-Stage Programme"—memorize the fuel used in each stage.
Video on India's Nuclear Energy Ambitions This video explains the recent legislative changes and India's strategic push toward a 100 GW nuclear capacity.
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