Nuclear Capacity Expansion in India: On Track for 100 GW by 2047
India's nuclear power capacity is poised for significant growth, increasing from the current 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32 and eventually 100 GW by 2047. This expansion is driven by the completion of ongoing and sanctioned projects. Over the last decade, nuclear capacity has surged by over 70%, rising from 4,780 MW in 2013-14 to 8,180 MW today. Similarly, annual nuclear power generation has jumped from 34,228 million units in 2013-14 to 47,971 million units in 2023-24.
Currently, 24 reactors supply India’s 8,180 MW of nuclear energy, with an additional 21 reactors totalling 15,300 MW under various stages of development by NPCIL. This includes nine reactors under construction, contributing 7,300 MW, such as the PFBR developed by BHAVINI, and 12 reactors, including two 500 MW Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs), in pre-project stages.
India plans to add 18 reactors with a combined capacity of 13,800 MW, bringing total nuclear capacity to 22,480 MW by 2031-32. Major projects include four 1,000 MW plants at Kudankulam (Tamil Nadu) with Russian collaboration and four 700 MW PHWRs in Rajasthan and Haryana. Additionally, ten 700 MW PHWRs have been approved for construction in ‘fleet mode’ by 2031. These reactors will be located across Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, with a total cost estimated at INR 1,05,000 crore.
India's PHWR Technology: A Global Model for Nuclear Energy
In the late 1960s, India embarked on developing its own Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) to achieve self-reliance in nuclear energy. Today, India's PHWR technology offers an opportunity to strengthen the global nuclear supply chain, serving as a model for other nations seeking cost-effective nuclear energy solutions.
The Kakrapar Atomic Power Station 3 & 4 (2 x 700 MW) stands as the largest indigenous PHWR, featuring advanced safety measures on par with global standards. Developed by NPCIL with Indian industries, it embodies the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
India’s PHWRs are known for their affordability in both construction and operation, with efficient designs and building practices. This technology offers customization options, allowing other nations to adapt it to their specific energy needs, making India a key player in global nuclear energy expansion.
Milestone Achievement: Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR)
India has achieved a major milestone in its three-stage nuclear program with the initiation of core loading at the PFBR in Kalpakkam, marking its entry into the second stage of nuclear development. Once operational, India will join Russia as one of the few countries to operate a commercial Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR). The 500 MWe PFBR, spearheaded by BHAVINI under the Department of Atomic Energy, is a precursor to future FBRs and a significant leap in India's nuclear capabilities.
Following the PFBR, India plans to construct two additional 600 MWe Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR-1 and FBR-2) at Kalpakkam. Initially, these reactors will use uranium-plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel, with uranium-238 blankets undergoing transmutation to produce more fuel. The eventual use of thorium-232 will generate fissile U-233, key for advancing to the third stage of India’s nuclear program.
Promising Joint Ventures Driving India's Nuclear Capacity Expansion
In January 2011, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and NPCIL signed a joint venture agreement aimed at constructing nuclear power plants in India. Earlier, in September 2010, IOC’s Board approved equity participation in NPCIL's Rajasthan Atomic Power Project. IOC and NPCIL are also exploring the potential for developing Small Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) to power IOC’s refinery operations, further demonstrating the vital role of joint ventures in expanding nuclear capacity in India.
In 2011, NPCIL and NTPC Limited established a joint venture to create Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd. (ASHVINI). In September 2024, the Government of India approved ASHVINI, wherein NPCIL holds a 51% stake and NTPC Ltd. possesses a 49% stake. ASHVINI will be responsible for building, owning, and operating nuclear power plants across the country. A significant project under this initiative is the transfer of the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (4x700 MWe), which employs indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology, from NPCIL to ASHVINI. To support the financial needs of this rapid expansion, both NPCIL and NTPC have been granted exemptions from their respective investment caps. These exemptions ensure that adequate financing is available to accelerate the growth of India’s nuclear power sector.
Enhancing Nuclear Fuel Supply: NFC's Expansion
The Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) is playing a crucial role in supporting India's nuclear power program by consistently providing fuel for its reactors. To meet the growing fuel demands of the upcoming 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), NFC is constructing a new greenfield facility in Kota, Rajasthan. This facility will include a PHWR Fuel Fabrication Facility and a Zircaloy Fabrication Facility, with a production capacity of 500 tons of fuel tubes per year. With an investment of INR 4,256.20 crore, the project is nearing completion, representing a significant advancement in India's pursuit of nuclear fuel self-sufficiency.
Bharat Small Reactors: India’s Compact Nuclear Energy Solution
In August 2023, Minister Jitendra Singh informed the parliament that the government is exploring SMRs and involving the private sector and start-ups in these projects. As part of the 2024-25 budget, the government announced plans to develop Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs), aiming to install 40-50 units, primarily to replace captive thermal power plants. This initiative highlights nuclear energy's pivotal role in India's future energy mix. Bharat Small Reactors are compact nuclear units designed to generate electricity on a smaller scale. Based on India's proven 220 MW PHWR technology, with 16 units already operational, BSRs align with global nuclear trends.
Private Sector Involvement: A Landmark Shift in India's Nuclear Policy
A key innovation with Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) is the government's decision to partner with the private sector for their development and deployment, marking a historic shift in India’s nuclear policy. Previously, the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 prohibited private sector participation in nuclear energy generation. This new approach is expected to attract financing and accelerate nuclear power growth in India.
Private companies like Tata Power, Reliance Industries, Adani Power, and Vedanta Ltd. have been invited to invest in nuclear electricity projects, with each company expected to contribute around $5.3 billion. The government aims to attract $26 billion in total private investment, creating a significant opportunity for private investors in a sector traditionally dominated by state entities. Joint ventures between NPCIL and private companies are emerging as a crucial strategy to bolster nuclear infrastructure. This collaboration reduces the financial burden on the government while allowing private firms to share in the growth of nuclear power.
Discussions are also underway to open the nuclear sector to foreign direct investment, combining domestic private participation with global expertise. This move could bring international nuclear technology providers into the market, fostering competition and innovation. The 2015 amendment to the Atomic Energy Act enables NPCIL to collaborate with other government entities, paving the way for private and international partnerships in reactor construction and operations.
Hence, India's nuclear capacity expansion is set to accelerate, targeting an increase from 8,180 MW to 100 GW by 2047, underpinned by initiatives such as the development of Bharat Small Reactors and Fast Breeder Reactors. The Union Budget for 2024-25 marks a significant milestone for the sector, with a commitment of $270 million to advance nuclear power projects. This strategic investment, coupled with the integration of private sector involvement and foreign investment, positions India to strengthen its role in the global nuclear supply chain and enhance its energy security.
The 5th edition of India Nuclear Business Platform (INBP) will take place in Mumbai this 19-20 November 2024. The industry meeting will feature all the officials and players across the Indian nuclear supply chain. For more information on this meeting including exhibition opportunities, click here
