This update covers key developments in India’s nuclear energy sector.
This update covers key developments in India’s nuclear energy sector, based on information from available official sources, including official websites and reports. The focus is on significant progress in capacity expansion, uranium resource development, and government policy initiatives.
India is working to expand its nuclear energy contribution, which currently stands at "about 3%" of total electricity generation. The government aims to achieve "100 GW" of nuclear power by 2047 as part of its strategy to reach Net Zero by 2070. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, nuclear energy contributed "56.7 Billion Units" to the national grid, and efforts are underway to increase this share through new projects and reactor installations.
1. Nuclear Power Capacity Expansion
The government plans to increase nuclear power capacity from the present "8780 MW" to "22,380 MW" as new projects under implementation come online. Notably, four reactors—KKNPP 3&4 (2x1000 MW) and KKNPP 5&6 (2x1000 MW)—are under construction at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu, while a "500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor" is being set up at Kalpakkam by BHAVINI. In addition, "10 indigenous 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors" have been sanctioned in fleet mode as part of the push to meet the target of 100 GW by 2047.
2. Uranium Resources in the Country
The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a constituent unit of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), has reported a significant increase in domestic uranium resources. As of now, AMD has identified "4,33,800 tonnes" of in-situ U3O8 across 47 uranium deposits in multiple states. A noteworthy discovery at the "Jaduguda North-Baglasai-Mechua deposit" in Jharkhand is expected to extend the operational life of the Jaduguda mine considerably, with an additional "26,437 tonnes" of U-oxide resources.
3. Government Sanctions 10 Indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors
In a key step towards enhancing India’s nuclear power capacity, the government has sanctioned the construction of "10 indigenous 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors" in fleet mode. These reactors are currently under implementation and will play a significant role in meeting the nuclear energy goals outlined for 2047.
4. Installed Nuclear Power Capacity in the Country
India’s current installed nuclear power capacity comprises "24 reactors" totaling "8780 MW," excluding the RAPS-1 (100 MW) reactor, which is currently shut down. Among the operational reactors, four are undergoing refurbishment and upgrades—Tarapur Atomic Power Station Units 1&2 (2x160 MW), Madras Atomic Power Station Unit-1 (1x220 MW), and Kaiga Atomic Power Station Unit-1 (1x220 MW). The remaining 20 reactors are operational and contribute to the national grid.
5. Nuclear Energy Mission
As part of its ambitious Nuclear Energy Mission, the government has set a target of achieving "100 GW" of nuclear power by 2047. This mission aims to meet India’s growing base load requirements with minimal carbon emissions while reducing dependence on fossil fuel-based power plants. The mission involves the deployment of both large and small nuclear plants in greenfield and brownfield locations, as well as in off-grid applications for remote areas. Partnerships with the private sector, research on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and the development of new technologies are central to this initiative.
