NewKerala.com

India's Nuclear Power Expansion: 100 GW Target by 2047

India's nuclear power capacity is currently low at 2% of installed capacity, offering significant room for expansion. The government aims to reach 22 GW by 2032 and 100 GW by 2047, backed by a dedicated Nuclear Energy Mission. Legislative reforms under the SHANTI framework are proposed to modernize regulation and enable private sector participation. Global partnerships, especially with Canada for uranium supply and the US for technology, are crucial for the strategy's success.

Key Points: India Nuclear Expansion: 100 GW Target by 2047

  • India's nuclear capacity is only 2% of installed capacity
  • Government targets 22 GW by 2032 and 100 GW by 2047
  • Nuclear Energy Mission with Rs 200 billion for small modular reactors
  • SHANTI framework aims to modernize regulation and enable private participation
  • Global partnerships with Canada and US key for fuel and technology
2 min read

Low nuclear penetration in India creates scope for major expansion amid govt efforts

India aims for 100 GW nuclear power by 2047, with 22 GW by 2032. Low penetration offers major growth scope, backed by new mission and reforms.

"We believe the success of this strategy will depend on execution, particularly in financing, regulatory reform and supply chain development - Morgan Stanley"

New Delhi, May 10

India's nuclear capacity accounts for a small share of India's electricity at around 2 per cent of installed capacity and around 3 per cent of generation and according to Morgan Stanley, nuclear is a strategic complement to renewables in the country, offering firm, low-carbon base-load power without exposure to fossil fuel price volatility.

Relative to global peers, India remains under-penetrated in nuclear energy, suggesting significant headroom for expansion.

The government aims to have 22 GW of nuclear power by F32 with a long-term target of 100 GW by 2047. The announcement of a dedicated Nuclear Energy Mission, with Rs 200 billion earmarked for design, development and deployment of small modular reactors, marks a shift towards more flexible, scalable and potentially private-sector-compatible nuclear deployment.

Parallel legislative efforts, including proposed reforms under the SHANTI framework, aim to modernise the regulatory environment and enable greater private participation under regulatory oversight.

"We believe the success of this strategy will depend on execution, particularly in financing, regulatory reform and supply chain development Global partnerships remain key in shaping capacity expansion," according to the report.

Across countries, Canada will play a critical role because it is supplying uranium to India under a fresh long-term agreement. The US's role in India nuclear journey is more prospective and technology-centric than fuel-centric.

The US-India civil nuclear framework remains important, and we think recent moves around SMR technology transfer and broader commercial interest suggest the US could become more relevant on reactor technology, equipment and project participation if liability and regulatory reforms stick, said the report.

India is positioning itself as a global clean energy manufacturing hub, supported by PLI and policy incentives. The focus is shifting to quality and global competitiveness, though procurement practices and supply chain gaps remain constraints.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally governments understanding that solar and wind alone can't power a country like India. Nuclear is the only reliable low-carbon baseload power. The small modular reactors concept is interesting and might help us avoid the massive land acquisition issues faced by traditional plants. Wonder if they will set up reactors in the North as well? Currently all are in South and West.
J
James A
Interesting to read about Canada and US roles. As someone who follows global energy markets, I think India's approach of combining nuclear with renewables makes strategic sense. The 100 GW target for 2047 is very aspirational but doable if the regulatory reforms come through. The liability issue and supply chain gaps are genuine concerns though.
V
Vikram M
This is promising. But we need to address the waste disposal issue upfront. That is the main concern for many citizens. Also, the cost of nuclear power has always been higher than what is initially projected. If the government is going to put in Rs 200 billion, there should be strict oversight to ensure it is not wasted. Otherwise I am all for clean energy.
S
Sarah B
The SHANTI framework sounds promising but we need to see concrete timelines. Nuclear regulation in India has been too slow and bureaucratic. With SMRs, India has a chance to leapfrog some of the traditional obstacles. But the real test will be whether we can execute at scale. Let's hope the government is really serious this time.
K
Kavya N
Very good to see focus on nuclear. Right now nuclear is only 3% of our electricity, that is too low for a country aiming to be a manufacturing hub. The PLI schemes have

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50