India's Installed Nuclear Power Capacity to Triple by 2031-32

India’s installed nuclear power capacity is set to increase from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32, according to Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. The announcement was made in a written reply to an unstarred question in the Rajya Sabha. Dr. Singh also highlighted India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and projected a need for a national nuclear capacity of approximately 100,000 MW by 2047.

Current Capacity and Growth

Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that the current installed nuclear power capacity is 8,180 MW, distributed across 24 reactors. Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase of over 70% in nuclear power capacity, rising from 4,780 MW in 2013-14 to 8,180 MW at present. Annual electricity generation from nuclear power plants has also increased from 34,228 million units in 2013-14 to 47,971 million units in 2023-24.

Future Developments

Currently, 21 reactors with a combined capacity of 15,300 MW are at various stages of implementation by Nuclear Power Corporation India Limited (NPCIL). This includes:

Nine reactors with a total capacity of 7,300 MW, including the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidhyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), which are under construction.
Twelve reactors with a capacity of 8,000 MW, including two 500 MW twin units of Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR) by BHAVINI, which are in pre-project activities.

Future Projections and Net-Zero Commitment

Various studies have projected the need for a national nuclear capacity of around 100,000 MW by 2047. These recommendations are being considered for future adoption as part of India’s strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.

Government Initiatives

During the Union Budget 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans to develop modular nuclear reactors as part of the country’s clean energy transition. The government will collaborate with the private sector to establish Bharat small reactors, pursue research and development in this area, and explore new technologies for nuclear energy. The R&D funding announced in the interim budget will be available for this sector.