India is making a bold move towards a sustainable future by significantly expanding its nuclear power capacity. In the Union Budget 2025-26, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a ₹20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission aimed at revolutionizing the country’s energy landscape.
As part of this ambitious initiative, India plans to develop at least 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear energy by 2047, with a strong emphasis on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The government is set to establish at least five indigenously developed SMRs by 2033, partnering with private sector players to drive innovation and efficiency in clean energy production.
To attract private and foreign investments, the government is also preparing to amend the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act. These reforms aim to remove longstanding barriers and create a more investment-friendly ecosystem for nuclear energy development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed his commitment to tripling India’s nuclear power capacity within the next decade. Currently, the country operates 23 nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of 7,480 megawatts (MW). Under the new roadmap, this figure is expected to rise to 22,480 MW by 2031-32, significantly enhancing India’s energy security and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels.
This nuclear expansion is a key pillar of India’s broader strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable future powered by cutting-edge technology and innovation.
