India’s Nuclear Energy Sector: TERI Report on 100 GW Target by 2047

A TERI report highlighted that India needs major investments and reforms to achieve its target of 100 GW nuclear energy capacity by 2047.

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Key Highlights of TERI Report

• Massive Investment Requirement: India will require nearly ₹23-25 lakh crore investment to expand nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047.
• Focus on Small Modular Reactors: The report emphasised Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) due to modular construction, lower costs and suitability for industrial and remote applications.
• Energy Transition Role: Nuclear power can provide stable baseload electricity supporting renewable integration, green hydrogen production and industrial decarbonisation.
• Long-Term Thorium Strategy: India’s three-stage nuclear programme aims to eventually utilise thorium reserves for long-term energy security and reduced import dependence.

Status of India’s Nuclear Energy Sector

• Nuclear energy forms an important component of India’s clean energy strategy for achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and energy security goals.
• Current Capacity: India currently operates 25 nuclear reactors with an installed capacity of nearly 8.8 GW across seven nuclear power sites.
  • Nuclear power contributes nearly 3% of India’s total electricity generation, with nuclear power plants producing about 56,681 Million Units (MUs) of electricity during 2024–25.
• Future Goal: India targets 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047 under the Viksit Bharat vision with greater reliance on SMRs and advanced reactors.

Major Nuclear Power Plants in India

• PHWR: Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor, BWR: Boiling Water Reactor, PWR/VVER: Pressurised Water Reactor

Challenges in India’s Nuclear Energy Sector

• Regulatory and Legal Constraints: India’s nuclear liability framework and lengthy approval processes discourage rapid project execution and private investment participation.
• Fuel Security Concerns: India produces limited uranium domestically and remains dependent on uranium imports despite significant thorium reserves.
• High Capital and Infrastructure Costs: Nuclear plants involve high upfront investment, long gestation periods and cost overruns affecting financial viability.
• Public Acceptance and Safety Issues: Concerns regarding nuclear accidents, radiation risks and land acquisition continue to generate resistance against nuclear projects.

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Way Forward

• Strengthen Regulatory Ecosystem: India should establish streamlined licensing mechanisms and SMR-specific regulations to accelerate deployment and attract private investment.
  • The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025, passed in December 2025 enabled private sector participation
• Expand Indigenous Technology: Greater investment in indigenous SMRs, thorium reactors and advanced fuel technologies can improve long-term energy security.
  • Recently, India achieved criticality at its indigenously designed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) (500 MWe) in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu
• Enhance Public Awareness: Transparent safety communication, workforce training and community participation are essential to improve public confidence in nuclear expansion.

Conclusion

Nuclear energy can become a reliable pillar of India’s clean energy transition if supported by regulatory reforms, indigenous innovation and sustainable financing mechanisms.

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