In the Union Budget 2025–26, the Government of India announced an ambitious plan to expand nuclear power capacity from approximately 8,180 MW to 100 GW by 2047.
This vision aligns with the broader national goals of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, positioning nuclear energy as a key pillar in India’s future energy mix.
1. Legal Framework: Limitations of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962
India’s nuclear sector has historically been governed by a state-controlled framework, which has constrained rapid expansion:
Key Restrictions
- State Monopoly
- Nuclear power generation restricted exclusively to the Central Government.
- Dominant Role of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
- Sole authority to:
- Own
- Construct
- Operate nuclear power plants
- Sole authority to:
- Limited Private Participation
- Private sector and foreign players largely excluded from:
- Investment
- Operation
- Technology collaboration
- Private sector and foreign players largely excluded from:
While this ensured strategic control and security, it limited capital inflow and technological diversification.
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2. Current Status and Strategic Importance
Low Contribution in Energy Mix
- Nuclear energy contributes only about 3% of India’s electricity generation.
- In contrast:
- France → ~70% nuclear-based electricity
Indicates untapped potential in India.
B. Importance of Baseload Power
Baseload power refers to the minimum continuous electricity demand that must be met at all times.
- Nuclear energy provides:
- Stable and uninterrupted supply
- Unlike solar and wind → which are intermittent
Critical for industrial growth and grid stability.
C. Land Efficiency
- Nuclear plants require significantly less land compared to:
- Solar farms
- Wind farms
Important in a land-scarce and densely populated country like India.
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D. Capacity Expansion Target
- Current: ~8,180 MW
- Target: 100 GW (1 lakh MW) by 2047
Reflects a 12-fold increase, requiring structural reforms.
3. Socio-Economic and Environmental Imperatives
A. Rising Energy Demand
- India’s per capita electricity consumption:
- ~1,400 kWh
- Compared to:
- China → ~7,000 kWh
- USA → ~12,000 kWh
Highlights the need for massive capacity addition to support development.
B. Climate Commitments
- Nuclear energy is:
- Low-carbon
- Minimal greenhouse gas emissions during operation
Supports India’s net-zero target (2070) and energy transition.
4. SHANTI Act: A Paradigm Shift in Nuclear Policy
The proposed SHANTI Act (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India)aims to replace the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.
Key Features
- Ending State Monopoly
- Opens nuclear sector to:
- Private companies
- Potential foreign collaboration
B. Enabling Private Sector Participation
- Private firms can:
- Build
- Operate nuclear plants
Helps:
- Mobilise capital
- Improve efficiency
- Reduce burden on government
C. Reforming Liability Framework
- Revisits Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010:
- Earlier imposed liability on suppliers
- Proposed change:
- Limit supplier liability
Encourages foreign investment and technology transfer.
5. Regulatory and Institutional Reforms
A. Strengthening Regulatory Independence
- Grant statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)
- Ensures:
- Greater transparency
- Independent safety oversight
B. Improved Investment Climate
- Rationalised liability norms
- Clear regulatory framework
Essential to attract global nuclear technology providers.
6. Innovation and Indigenisation Strategy
A. Indigenous Technology Development
- Imported reactors are costly
- Focus on:
- Domestic manufacturing
- Indigenous reactor design
Promotes Atmanirbhar Bharat in nuclear sector.
B. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
- Compact, factory-built reactors
- Advantages:
- Lower cost
- Faster construction
- Flexible deployment
Suitable for:
- Remote areas
- Industrial clusters
C. R&D Support
- Government funding for:
- Indigenous SMR development
- Advanced nuclear technologies
7. Advanced Fuel Strategy
A. Thorium-Based Potential
- India has one of the largest thorium reserves globally
- Offers:
- Long-term energy security
- Reduced dependence on uranium
B. Use of HALEU
- High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU):
- Improves reactor efficiency
- Facilitates transition to thorium-based fuel cycle
Strengthens India’s three-stage nuclear programme.
8. Key Challenges in Achieving 100 GW Target
A. High Capital Costs
- Nuclear plants require:
- Huge upfront investment
- Imported designs increase costs → higher tariffs
B. Nuclear Waste Management
- Long-term storage of radioactive waste remains:
- Technologically complex
- Environmentally sensitive
C. Public Acceptance
- Concerns due to past global accidents:
- Chernobyl
- Fukushima
Impacts:
- Land acquisition
- Project approvals
Conclusion
India’s vision of achieving 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 represents a transformative shift towards a clean, reliable, and secure energy future. However, the success of this roadmap hinges on:
- Effective implementation of the SHANTI Act
- Transparent regulatory mechanisms
- Balanced liability framework
- Strong public trust and safety assurances
A holistic approach combining policy reform, technological innovation, and institutional strengthening will be essential to unlock the full potential of nuclear energy in India’s development journey.
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