India's nuclear energy sector is poised for significant expansion, with major developments indicating a strong push towards increasing nuclear power generation capacity. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL), the country's nuclear power operator, is at the forefront of these initiatives, exploring both large-scale reactor construction and the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

Focus on Indigenous Reactor Technology

India is emphasizing the development and manufacturing of indigenous nuclear reactors. The Bharat Small Reactor (BSR), a 220 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR), is a key component of this strategy. NPCIL has invited proposals from Indian industries to set up these BSRs for captive use, particularly to replace coal-fired thermal power plants in industries like steel, aluminum, copper, and cement. The government aims to deploy 40-50 of these reactors over the next decade in partnership with the private sector.

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is also designing and developing other SMR models, including a 55 MWe SMR and a High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor. The concept design for the BSR-200MWe is indigenously developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and NPCIL.

Ambitious Nuclear Energy Targets

India has set an ambitious goal of achieving 100 GW of nuclear energy capacity by 2047. This target requires a substantial increase from the current installed capacity. As of April 2025, India has 25 nuclear reactors in operation across 8 nuclear power plants, with a total installed capacity of 8,880 MW. Additionally, 11 more reactors are under construction, which will add 8,700 MW of capacity. The country's nuclear energy budget has seen a 170% increase in the last decade, demonstrating the government's commitment to this sector.

To reach the 100 GW target, the government is also considering amending the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010 to facilitate private participation and investment in the nuclear sector.

Private Sector Involvement and Global Collaboration

A significant aspect of India's nuclear expansion plan is the involvement of the private sector. The government is encouraging private companies to invest in and operate nuclear power plants, with NPCIL providing supervision and operational control. This collaboration aims to bring in additional expertise and resources to accelerate the growth of the nuclear energy sector.

India is also collaborating with other countries, including France and the United States, in the development and deployment of nuclear technology. A declaration of intent has been signed with France to establish a partnership on advanced modular reactors and small modular reactors.

SMRs for Data Centers and Industrial Decarbonization

The use of SMRs is being explored for various applications, including powering data centers and decarbonizing industries. The IT Ministry is encouraging data centers to deploy SMRs for long-term, reliable, and carbon-free power supply. This is particularly relevant as data center power usage is expected to double by 2026, making it crucial for companies to find sustainable energy solutions.

NPCIL is also promoting the deployment of Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) for the decarbonization of hard-to-abate industries. These reactors can replace existing coal-fired power plants, providing a cleaner energy source for industrial processes.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite the ambitious plans and positive developments, India's nuclear energy sector faces challenges. These include addressing concerns about nuclear liability, ensuring safety and security, and managing public perception. However, the government is committed to overcoming these challenges and creating a favorable environment for nuclear energy growth. With a strong focus on indigenous technology, private sector involvement, and international collaboration, India is poised to significantly expand its nuclear power capacity and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.