In a significant move to ensure energy security and sustainability for India’s future, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Union Budget 2025-26 announced the Nuclear Mission for Viksit Bharat, a vision that aims to make India a global leader in nuclear energy by 2047. This ambitious mission has set a target of generating 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047, a critical milestone for India’s efforts to transition toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. Sitharaman’s announcement has sparked optimism for the country’s energy future, which is closely tied to nuclear power’s expanding role in meeting the growing energy demands of an industrializing nation.
100 GW by 2047: A Transformational Goal
Nuclear energy is seen as an essential component of India’s future energy landscape, particularly as the country aims to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. The vision of 100 GW by 2047, which marks India’s centenary of independence, has been set as part of the broader goal of becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). This ambitious target is vital for India’s power transition efforts, especially considering the country’s rising energy consumption, driven by urbanization, economic growth, and the increasing adoption of electric vehicles.
The Nuclear Mission for Viksit Bharat is also closely linked to India’s commitment to addressing climate change and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. As part of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, India has pledged to enhance its non-fossil fuel-based capacity. Nuclear power, being a low-carbon source of energy, is seen as a pivotal factor in meeting these environmental and developmental goals.
Achieving the 100 GW target will not be easy. India currently has a nuclear power capacity of around 7,500 MW, with nuclear power contributing roughly 3% to the nation’s total electricity generation. Scaling this up significantly will require a major investment in infrastructure, technology, and human resources. However, with a clear roadmap in place, the vision of 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047 reflects the nation’s ambition to lead in nuclear energy while contributing to the global fight against climate change.
Legal Reforms for Private Sector Participation
To support this nuclear power expansion, Sitharaman highlighted the Centre’s plan to amend key legislative frameworks, namely the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act. These amendments are aimed at facilitating greater private sector participation in the nuclear energy sector, which has traditionally been dominated by government entities such as the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
The amendment to the Atomic Energy Act is expected to open doors for private companies to play a more active role in the nuclear energy landscape. This shift aligns with the government’s broader push to promote privatization and enhance public-private partnerships in critical sectors. Private participation can bring in much-needed investment, innovation, and expertise, accelerating the development of nuclear power plants and infrastructure across the country.
Meanwhile, the proposed changes to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act are intended to address concerns surrounding the legal framework for nuclear energy. The current law has faced criticism for limiting the liability of nuclear operators in the event of an accident, which has deterred private entities from investing in the sector. By amending the Act, the government aims to create a more balanced and transparent liability framework that encourages both domestic and international private investments.
These reforms are expected to create a robust regulatory environment that fosters innovation and strengthens India’s nuclear energy sector, making it more competitive on the global stage.
Investing in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
A key component of India’s nuclear mission is the focus on research and development (R&D) for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These smaller, scalable reactors are seen as the future of nuclear power, offering several advantages over traditional large-scale reactors. SMRs are more flexible, cost-effective, and safer, making them ideal for India’s energy needs.
The government has committed an outlay of ₹20,000 crores for R&D in SMR technology, which will enable the country to develop these reactors indigenously. This investment is crucial, as it will not only help India meet its energy requirements but also position the country as a leader in the global SMR market.
By 2033, the government plans to have at least five indigenously designed SMRs operational, a significant step forward in India’s nuclear energy strategy. These reactors will be capable of providing reliable, clean energy to regions that are underserved by the existing power grid. Moreover, the deployment of SMRs can be a game-changer in India’s remote areas, where large-scale power plants may be unfeasible due to infrastructure limitations.
The development of SMRs will also help diversify India’s nuclear portfolio, reducing reliance on a few large reactors and making the energy grid more resilient. Furthermore, these reactors are designed to be safer than traditional ones, with passive safety systems that automatically shut down in the event of a malfunction, reducing the risk of accidents.
The Road Ahead
The Nuclear Mission for Viksit Bharat presents an exciting opportunity for India to harness the power of nuclear energy to fuel its growth while reducing its carbon footprint. The ambitious target of 100 GW by 2047 is both a challenge and a beacon of hope for the country’s energy future.
The government’s focus on private participation, legislative reforms, and SMR development signals a forward-thinking approach to energy policy. However, achieving these goals will require continued investment in technology, infrastructure, and human capital. India must also ensure that its nuclear energy expansion is accompanied by rigorous safety standards and effective waste management practices to mitigate environmental and public health risks.
With these bold steps, India is poised to play a leadership role in the global nuclear energy sector while fulfilling its commitment to a sustainable and secure energy future. The coming decades will be crucial in shaping India’s energy landscape, and the Nuclear Mission for Viksit Bharat will be at the heart of this transformation.
