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Roadmap for 100 GWe nuclear capacity by 2047
Dr. Jitendra Singh presents the government’s roadmap for a self-reliant and globally competitive nuclear energy ecosystem in the Lok Sabha. The roadmap highlights a 100 GWe nuclear energy target by 2047, with focus on indigenous SMRs, thorium, and a three-stage nuclear programme.
Roadmap for 100 GWe Nuclear Capacity by 2047:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Acceleration approach | The government’s two-pronged approach comprises: deployment of large indigenous reactors such as 700 MWe Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and advanced reactor designs at greenfield sites; deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) at brownfield locations. |
| SMR deployment locations and use-cases | SMR deployment at brownfield locations comprises retiring fossil-fuel-based power plants, captive plants for energy-intensive industries, and off-grid applications in remote areas. |
| Nuclear Energy Mission | The Nuclear Energy Mission mandates development and operationalisation of at least 5 indigenous SMRs by 2033. |
| BARC institutional status | The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) comprises a constituent unit of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). |
| Indigenous SMR designs (BARC) | Indigenous SMR technologies under BARC comprise the 220 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200) and the 55 MWe SMR-55 for power generation. |
| HTGCR development (BARC) | BARC development work comprises a High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (HTGCR) of up to 5 MWth capacity, which provides for coupling with a suitable thermochemical cycle for hydrogen production. |
| IGCAR focus area | The Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) comprises work related to the second stage of India’s nuclear power programme: multidisciplinary scientific research and advanced engineering development for Sodium Cooled Fast Breeder Reactors and associated closed fuel-cycle facilities. |
| Legal development | Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025 has been enacted to enable wider participation of both public and private entities in the nuclear sector. |
| Private sector participation under SHANTI Act | The SHANTI Act reforms provide for greater participation of private entities in nuclear manufacturing, engineering services, research and development, and supply chains, while maintaining stringent standards of nuclear safety, security, and safeguards. |
| Regulatory status | The SHANTI Act provides for statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. |