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India Targets 100 GW Nuclear Power by 2047 to Boost Energy Security

India has announced an ambitious goal to expand its nuclear power capacity to 100 gigawatts by 2047, the centenary of its independence, to strengthen long-term energy security. The nation currently operates 24 reactors and is constructing eight more, with a strategy combining large indigenous and imported reactors with smaller modular systems. A key milestone was the 2026 achievement of first criticality at the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor in Kalpakkam. This effort is part of a three-stage nuclear program designed to maximize uranium resources and eventually utilize India's vast thorium reserves for sustainable power generation.

Key Points: India Aims for 100 GW Nuclear Capacity by 2047

  • Target 100 GW nuclear by 2047
  • Current capacity 8,780 MWe
  • Strategy includes large reactors & SMRs
  • PFBR achieved criticality in 2026
  • Three-stage plan uses thorium reserves
2 min read

India to scale nuclear capacity to reach 100 GW by 2047: Report

India plans to scale nuclear power to 100 GW by 2047, focusing on large reactors and SMRs to cut fossil fuel dependence and enhance energy security.

"India has set a major target to scale up its nuclear power capacity to at least 100 GW by 2047 - Khaleej Times Report"

New Delhi, April 11

India has set a major target to scale up its nuclear power capacity to at least 100 GW by 2047, marking the centenary of its independence, as it looks to strengthen long-term energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, according to a new report.

As per a report by Khaleej Times, the country currently operates 24 nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of 8,780 MWe (Megawatt electric), while eight more reactors with a capacity of 6,028 MWe are under construction.

Government projections indicate that installed nuclear capacity will rise to around 22 GW by the early 2030s before expanding sharply to meet the 100 GW target.

To achieve this more than eleven-fold increase, India is pursuing a two-pronged strategy that includes the development of large reactors - such as indigenous 700 MWe pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs) and imported large-capacity units at greenfield sites - alongside smaller modular systems like the 200 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMRs) and 55 MWe SMR-55 units, the report said.

A key milestone in this journey was achieved on April 6, 2026, when the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu attained first criticality - the start of a controlled nuclear fission chain reaction.

The development is being seen as a major step in advancing India's indigenous nuclear technology and ensuring long-term fuel sustainability.

India's nuclear programme is built around a three-stage strategy designed to maximise limited uranium resources while leveraging its vast thorium reserves.

The first stage uses PHWRs fuelled by natural uranium to produce plutonium. The second stage involves fast breeder reactors that use plutonium as fuel and generate more fissile material than they consume. The final stage aims to utilise thorium-based reactors, producing uranium-233 to sustain long-term nuclear power generation.

According to the report, the PFBR uses uranium-plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel and liquid sodium as a coolant, enabling it to produce more fuel than it consumes while paving the way for eventual thorium use.

The 500 MWe reactor is capable of supplying electricity to around half a million homes.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great news for reducing pollution and fossil fuel imports. But I hope the government invests equally in safety protocols and public awareness. The PFBR success is promising!
R
Rohit P
From 8.7 GW to 100 GW is a massive jump. Ambitious, but necessary. Hope the focus on indigenous tech like PHWRs and BSMRs creates more engineering jobs. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
While the target is impressive, the timeline seems very aggressive. Scaling up nuclear capacity requires immense capital, skilled manpower, and navigating complex regulations. Hope the planning is as robust as the ambition.
M
Meera T
Finally, a clear plan to use our thorium reserves! This is true Aatmanirbharta. The PFBR at Kalpakkam is a proud moment for Indian science. Can't wait for cleaner air and more stable electricity bills. 🙏
D
David E
Interesting read. The modular reactor approach (SMRs) seems smart for distributed power. How does the cost per unit compare to solar, which is also growing rapidly in India?

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