The Government of India, Parliament has reiterated that nuclear power is a clean, environment-friendly, and reliable base-load source of electricity available 24×7, with immense potential to support the country’s long-term energy security. The expansion of nuclear energy is also expected to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and help India achieve its net zero carbon emission target by 2070.
In this context, the government has announced the Nuclear Energy Mission in the Union Budget 2025–26, aiming to achieve a nuclear power generation capacity of 100 GWe by 2047 as part of its strategy for energy security and self-reliance in the energy sector.
This information was shared by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on 4 February 2026.
Three-Stage Indigenous Nuclear Programme for Self-Reliance
The government highlighted that India is pursuing an indigenous three-stage nuclear power programme to promote self-reliance and ensure sustainable long-term energy security. This approach is designed to make optimal use of the country’s nuclear resources while strengthening domestic technological capabilities.
It was also noted that the lifecycle emissions of nuclear power are comparable to renewables such as hydro and wind, reinforcing nuclear energy’s role as a low-carbon and climate-friendly power source.
Significant Growth in Installed Nuclear Capacity
India’s installed nuclear power capacity has seen a steady rise over the past decade. Since 2013–14, capacity has increased from 4,780 MW to 8,780 MW at present (excluding RAPS-1 of 100 MW).
In addition, a total capacity of 13,600 MW (including the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor – PFBR) is currently at various stages of implementation and is expected to be completed progressively by 2031–32, further strengthening the country’s nuclear power base.
New Reactor Fleets Planned Under Nuclear Energy Mission
As part of the roadmap to reach 100 GW by 2047, the government has envisaged:
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Two new fleets of 10 reactors each of indigenous 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs)
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Two Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) of 500 MW each
All FBRs and a part of the PHWR fleets will be using indigenous fuel, underlining the focus on technological self-reliance and domestic capability building in the nuclear sector.
Focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has also undertaken the design, development, and establishment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which are intended for deployment as captive power plants for energy-intensive sectors.
Under the Nuclear Energy Mission, funds have been allocated for research and development of indigenous SMRs by 2033, highlighting the government’s intent to diversify nuclear technologies and explore flexible, scalable nuclear power solutions.
Project Locations and Regional Status
The government clarified that there is currently no proposal to set up a nuclear power plant in the Sonipat Lok Sabha constituency in Haryana. However, at Gorakhpur, Haryana, two units of 700 MW each (GHAVP-1 & 2) are under construction, while two more units of 700 MW each (GHAVP-3 & 4) are at various stages of implementation.
This reflects the ongoing expansion of nuclear infrastructure in the region as part of the broader national roadmap.
Roadmap to 2047: Coordinated Planning by DAE and Ministry of Power
A comprehensive roadmap for achieving around 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 has been prepared jointly by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Ministry of Power. The plan aligns nuclear energy development with India’s broader goals of energy security, sustainability, and self-reliance.
Conclusion: Parliamentary Session
The Lok Sabha reply on 4 February 2026 underscores the government’s long-term strategic push for nuclear energy as a cornerstone of India’s clean energy transition. With rising installed capacity, new reactor fleets in the pipeline, a strong focus on indigenous technology, and the development of SMRs, India’s Nuclear Energy Mission aims to transform the sector and achieve 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047, strengthening both energy security and climate commitments in the decades ahead.
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Source: PIB
