India’s Nuclear Power Capacity to Triple by 2031-32, Aims for 1 Lakh MW by 2047

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 26th July. India is set to triple its installed nuclear power capacity from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32, according to Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on July 25, 2024, Dr. Singh highlighted the government’s commitment to a major expansion in the country’s nuclear energy sector.

Dr. Singh underscored the goal of achieving a national nuclear power capacity of 1 lakh MW by 2047 as part of India’s Net Zero transition strategy. This long-term vision aligns with the broader objective to significantly reduce carbon emissions by 2070.

In recent years, India has seen a substantial increase in its nuclear power capacity, with a more than 70% surge over the last decade. The installed capacity rose from 4,780 MW in 2013-14 to 8,180 MW today. Additionally, annual electricity generation from nuclear plants grew from 34,228 million units in 2013-14 to 47,971 million units in 2023-24.

Dr. Singh also revealed that 21 new reactors, with a combined capacity of 15,300 MW, are currently at various stages of development by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). This includes nine reactors under construction with a total capacity of 7,300 MW, including the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidhyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI). Another 12 reactors, with a capacity of 8,000 MW, are in pre-project stages, including two twin units of Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR) by BHAVINI.