What is India’s Nuclear Energy Mission?

The Government of India has boldly unveiled an ambitious Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat, consequently setting a transformative target of achieving 100 gigawatt (GW) nuclear power capacity by 2047. Furthermore, this groundbreaking initiative represents a crucial step toward India’s commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070, simultaneously positioning nuclear energy as a cornerstone of the nation’s clean energy transition.

Mission Objectives and Strategic Vision

The Nuclear Energy Mission specifically aims to augment power production from nuclear energy with minimal carbon emissions while addressing the base load requirements that fossil fuel-based power plants currently support. Moreover, the mission envisions a comprehensive approach that includes deploying large and small nuclear power plants across various settings – green fields, brown fields, captive plants, and off-grid applications in remote locations.

Additionally, this mission emphasizes active partnership with the private sector and research and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), along with enabling measures for new advanced technologies. Therefore, this approach signals India’s commitment to leveraging both public and private sector capabilities to achieve its nuclear energy goals.

Small Modular Reactors: The Future of Clean Energy

The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is currently developing three types of SMRs indigenously, thereby marking a significant advancement in India’s nuclear technology capabilities. Subsequently, these innovations include:

• 200 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor: Engineers designed this reactor for substantial power generation
• 55 MWe Small Modular Reactor: Developers created this reactor for medium-scale applications
• 5 MWth High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor: Scientists specifically designed this reactor for hydrogen production through thermochemical processes

These demonstration reactors have already received in-principle approval for construction and developers expect to complete them within 60 to 72 months after receiving administrative sanction. Subsequently, the lead units of BSMR and SMR will operate at Department of Atomic Energy sites in collaboration with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).

Furthermore, the strategic deployment of these SMRs focuses on serving as captive power plants, repurposing retiring fossil fuel-based plants, and supporting hydrogen production for the transport sector, consequently accelerating decarbonization across industrial and transport sectors.

Current Nuclear Power Status

India’s current nuclear infrastructure operates 24 reactors with a total installed capacity of 8,780 MW, excluding RAPS-1 (100 MW), which remains under long-term shutdown. Meanwhile, recent achievements include the commercial operation of KAPS-3&4 (2×700 MW) and RAPP-7 (700 MW), thereby strengthening the nation’s nuclear power generation capabilities.

Expansion Plans and Future Capacity

According to the statement laid in Lok Sabha by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions and Prime Minister’s Office, the nuclear energy sector is witnessing significant expansion, while 18 reactors totaling 13,600 MW capacity currently undergo various stages of implementation. This includes a 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor that Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) is implementing. Consequently, upon completion of these projects, India’s installed nuclear power capacity will increase from the current 8,780 MW to 22,380 MW.

Moreover, the ambitious target of 100 GW by 2047 will be achieved through deploying reactors based on both existing technologies and new advanced technologies that researchers are currently developing.

Uranium Resources and Fuel Security

India has successfully established substantial uranium resources totaling 4,33,800 tonnes of in-situ U₃O₈ across 47 uranium deposits. Furthermore, these deposits are strategically located across 11 states: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

Additionally, recent exploration efforts have yielded positive results, with the Department establishing 26,437 tonnes of in-situ U-oxide resources in the Jaduguda North-Baglasai-Mechua deposit in East Singhbhum district, Jharkhand. Moreover, this discovery represents the north-western continuity of the existing Jaduguda uranium deposit, thereby enhancing domestic fuel supply capabilities.

List of all operational Nuclear power reactors along with their rated capacity

Safety Standards and Regulatory Framework

Safety remains the highest priority across all aspects of nuclear power operations, from siting and design to construction, commissioning, and operation. Additionally, India’s nuclear power plants adhere to paramount safety principles including defense in depth, redundancy, diversity, and fail-safe design features, consequently ensuring multiple barriers between radioactive sources and the environment.

Furthermore, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) provides robust and independent regulatory oversight, continuously monitoring and reviewing nuclear power plant safety. Meanwhile, highly qualified, trained, and licensed personnel conduct operations following well-established procedures.