Power Scienceand Technologyministersdiscuss 100 G Wnuclearpowerplans

Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, August 9th 2025 at 11:29 GMT by moneycontrol.com
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The two leaders discussed plans to increase the nuclear power capacity to 49 GW by 2037, scale it up to 67 GW by 2042 and reach the 100 GW target set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi by 2047.

India's Ambitious Push for 100 GW Nuclear Power: Ministerial Discussions Signal Strategic Shift

In a significant development for India's energy landscape, Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, R.K. Singh, recently held high-level discussions with Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, focusing on the country's ambitious plans to scale up nuclear power capacity to 100 gigawatts (GW) in the coming decades. This meeting underscores the government's renewed emphasis on nuclear energy as a cornerstone of India's clean energy transition, aiming to meet escalating electricity demands while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and achieving net-zero emissions targets.

The discussions, which took place amid growing global concerns over energy security and climate change, revolved around the integration of nuclear power into India's broader energy mix. Nuclear energy is seen as a reliable, low-carbon alternative that can complement intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind. Currently, India's installed nuclear capacity stands at around 7.48 GW, generated from 22 operational reactors across seven nuclear power plants. However, the government has set its sights on a dramatic expansion, with plans to add more reactors and enhance technological capabilities to reach the 100 GW milestone. This target aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a self-reliant India in energy production, particularly through advancements in atomic energy.

During the meeting, the ministers delved into several key aspects of this expansion strategy. One major focus was on accelerating the deployment of indigenous nuclear technologies, such as the Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) developed by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). These reactors are designed to utilize India's abundant thorium reserves, potentially positioning the country as a global leader in thorium-based nuclear fuel cycles. The ministers emphasized the need for streamlining regulatory approvals, enhancing safety protocols, and fostering public-private partnerships to fast-track project implementations.

R.K. Singh highlighted the critical role of nuclear power in addressing India's baseload energy requirements, especially as the nation grapples with peak demand surges driven by rapid urbanization, industrialization, and electrification of transport. He pointed out that nuclear plants offer high capacity factors—often exceeding 90%—making them more efficient than many renewable options for continuous power supply. This is particularly vital for India, where electricity demand is projected to double by 2030, reaching over 2,000 terawatt-hours annually. The Power Minister also stressed the importance of integrating nuclear energy with the grid to support the government's goal of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, as outlined in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, on the other hand, brought attention to the scientific and technological innovations underpinning these plans. He discussed ongoing research in advanced reactor designs, including small modular reactors (SMRs), which are compact, factory-built units that promise faster deployment, lower costs, and enhanced safety features. SMRs could be particularly beneficial for remote or industrial areas in India, where large-scale reactors might not be feasible. The Science and Technology Minister also touched upon collaborations with international partners, such as France, Russia, and the United States, for technology transfer and joint ventures. For instance, the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, developed with Russian assistance, is already contributing significantly to the southern grid, and similar models could be replicated elsewhere.

The ministers also addressed potential challenges in realizing the 100 GW vision. Financing remains a hurdle, with nuclear projects requiring substantial upfront investments—often in the range of $2-3 billion per GW. To mitigate this, the government is exploring funding mechanisms like green bonds, international loans from bodies such as the World Bank, and incentives under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Public perception and safety concerns, amplified by historical incidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima, were acknowledged as areas needing proactive communication and robust regulatory oversight by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

Environmental benefits were a recurring theme in the discussions. Nuclear power generates virtually no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, making it a potent tool for decarbonization. By ramping up to 100 GW, India could avoid millions of tons of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to removing tens of millions of cars from the roads. This aligns with India's commitment to net-zero by 2070, as announced at COP26. Moreover, nuclear energy could bolster energy security by reducing dependence on imported coal and oil, which currently account for a significant portion of India's energy imports, straining foreign exchange reserves.

The meeting also explored synergies between nuclear power and other sectors. For example, excess heat from nuclear reactors could be used for desalination, hydrogen production, or district heating, creating multi-utility hubs that enhance economic viability. In the context of India's hydrogen economy ambitions, nuclear-generated electricity could power electrolyzers for green hydrogen production, supporting industries like steel and chemicals in their transition to sustainable practices.

Experts and industry stakeholders have reacted positively to these developments, viewing them as a step toward energy independence. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has advocated for policy reforms to attract investments, including tax breaks and expedited environmental clearances. However, critics, including some environmental groups, argue that nuclear expansion must be balanced with investments in renewables and energy efficiency to avoid over-reliance on a single source.

Looking ahead, the ministers agreed on forming inter-ministerial task forces to monitor progress and resolve bottlenecks. Pilot projects for SMRs are expected to be announced soon, with sites in states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu being evaluated. This collaborative approach between the Power and Science & Technology ministries signals a holistic strategy, blending policy, innovation, and execution to propel India toward its nuclear ambitions.

In essence, these discussions mark a pivotal moment in India's energy policy, blending ambition with pragmatism. Achieving 100 GW of nuclear power would not only transform the nation's power sector but also position it as a key player in the global clean energy arena, contributing to sustainable development goals while fostering technological self-sufficiency. As India navigates the complexities of energy transition, the outcomes of such high-level engagements will be closely watched by investors, policymakers, and the international community alike.

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Power Scienceand Technologyministersdiscuss 100 G Wnuclearpowerplans

India's Ambitious Push for 100 GW Nuclear Power: Ministerial Discussions Signal Strategic Shift