India is reportedly considering placing a third bulk order for locally designed nuclear reactors as part of its ambitious nuclear energy expansion plans. The government is mulling seeking bids for the construction of as many as ten 700-megawatt Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). This move aims to boost nuclear power capacity while managing costs effectively.
The bulk order approach is intended to enhance the government's negotiating power and reduce prices. India has opened its nuclear sector to private companies following a new law passed in December, a significant step towards achieving its goal of 100 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2047. This target, aimed at achieving developed-nation status, would represent an eleven-fold increase from current levels and may require an estimated $211 billion in investment.
The December legislative change eases liability conditions for equipment suppliers, which previously faced potentially unlimited damage claims. It also allows private companies to generate nuclear power, a domain previously exclusive to the government. Adani Group, for instance, is planning a foray into nuclear energy following the allowance of private firms into the sector. The company's plan could give the conglomerate about 1,600 MW of nuclear capacity.
This push for nuclear energy comes at a time when atomic power is experiencing a global resurgence. Nations are looking to decarbonize their economies and meet growing electricity demand, including the demand from artificial intelligence and data centers. Countries like China, South Korea, Bangladesh, and France are also expanding their nuclear installations. Japan has also begun restarting its reactors after the 2011 meltdown. Global nuclear power capacity could more than double to 860 gigawatts by 2050, attracting nearly $2.2 trillion in investments.
India's commitment to nuclear energy also aligns with its climate goals. At the COP26 climate summit in 2021, India pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and install 500 gigawatts of non-fossil capacity by 2030. Nuclear power can provide near-continuous, low-carbon electricity with high output and low land requirements. The International Energy Agency (IEA) recognizes nuclear power as a crucial source of clean, dispatchable power for deep decarbonization while maintaining grid stability.
India has a three-stage nuclear program. The third stage will be based on the ThU233 cycle and will consist of fast breeder reactors for long-term energy security.
In July 2025, India's nuclear regulator AERB granted operation licenses to two indigenously developed 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat. KAPS-3 was commissioned in August 2023, and KAPS-4 followed in August 2024. India's nuclear power generation capacity is expected to reach 21,880 MW by 2032, with ongoing and planned PHWR projects coming online.
