Science & Technology
Advancing India’s Nuclear Energy Generation
- 23 Jul 2025
- 11 min read
For Prelims: Union Budget 2025–26, Nuclear Power, COP28, Small Modular Reactors (SMR), Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), Uranium, Nuclear Suppliers Group, Convention on Supplementary Compensation (CSC, 1997).
For Mains: Importance of nuclear energy for India's development and key challenges in Its nuclear strategy. Reforms needed for a sustainable future.
Why in News?
The Union Budget 2025–26 set an ambitious target of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047 positioning nuclear energy as a key pillar in achieving Viksit Bharat (2047) and net-zero emissions by 2070.
- This shift requires comprehensive reforms in the legislative, financial, and regulatory frameworks to address existing challenges.
How is India Advancing in its Nuclear Power Development?
- Historical Overview: India began its nuclear journey early with Asia’s first research reactor, Apsara (1956), and power reactors at Tarapore (1963). In 1954, Dr. Homi Bhabha, the architect of India's nuclear programme, presented a target of generating 8 GW of nuclear power by 1980.
- Despite international hurdles, India successfully indigenised the 220 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR), first employed in Rajasthan and later replicated at Narora, Kaiga, and Kakrapar.
- Current Capacity & Future Potential: India’s present nuclear power capacity is 8.18 GW, with an ambitious goal of reaching 100 GW by 2047. This will be a critical part of India’s strategy to become a developed country and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
- Global Partnerships and Developments: India endorsed the COP28 declaration to triple global nuclear energy capacity. India aims to engage with international partners like France and the U.S. to accelerate nuclear power projects.
What is the Significance of Nuclear Energy for India’s Development?
- Energy Security: India Nuclear power can play a crucial role in helping India meet its energy needs, which are projected to quadruple by 2047, by providing a reliable 24/7 power supply.
- Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and microreactors provide clean energy to remote areas without grid reliance, while nuclear desalination helps tackle water scarcity in coastal regions.
- Supporting Industrial Growth: Nuclear reactors can support energy-intensive industries (steel, cement, data centers) that need reliable, high-capacity power.
- Small Modular Reactors (SMR) can support remote industries, hydrogen production, and desalination.
- Geopolitical Leverage: Indigenous advances like the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (Kalpakkam) showcase technological strength, reducing strategic vulnerabilities and improving bargaining power in global energy deals.
- Disaster Resilience: Nuclear energy offers resilient supply during natural disasters or geopolitical disruptions. They remain reliable during recent grid disruptions.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
- Small modular reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors with a power output of up to 300 MW (e) per unit, about one-third the capacity of conventional nuclear power reactors.
- SMRs are characterized by being:
- Small: Significantly smaller in size compared to traditional nuclear reactors.
- Modular: Designed for factory-assembly and transport, allowing systems and components to be delivered as complete units for installation.
- Reactors: Using nuclear fission to generate heat, which is then converted into electricity. Types of Reactors:
- Micro Reactors: 1 MW to 20 MW, Can fit on a flatbed truck, mobile and deployable.
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): 20 MW to 300 MW, Can be scaled up or down by adding more units.
- Full-Size Reactors: 300 MW to 1,000+ MW, Provides reliable, emissions-free baseload power.
What are the Challenges in India’s Nuclear Energy Generation?
- Legislative and Regulatory Hurdles: Atomic Energy Act, 1962 reserves nuclear power generation solely for the government, with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) as the exclusive operator, limiting private sector participation.
- Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 (CLNDA) imposes liability on both operators and suppliers, deterring foreign countries like the US and France.
- The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), subordinate to the Department of Atomic Energy, lacks full autonomy.
- Financing and Cost Challenges: Indigenised Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) cost around USD 2 million/MW, nearly double that of coal plants; foreign reactors are even costlier.
- Despite being low-carbon, nuclear energy isn’t classified as “renewable”, making it ineligible for tax benefits and green financing instruments.
- Fuel Supply Constraints: India’s limited uranium reserves and Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) non-membership hinder fuel supply, and despite the 2008 NSG waiver, agreements with France and the US remain slow.
- Waste Management Issues: India has systems in place for managing nuclear waste, but lacks a permanent deep geological repository for high-level waste.
Click Here to Read: Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 Click Here to Read: Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC), 1997 |
What Steps can be Taken to Promote Nuclear Energy Generation in India?
- Legislative & Regulatory Reforms: Amend the Atomic Energy Act (1962) to permit private participation in nuclear power generation, and establish clear ownership models.
- Revise the CLNDA (2010) to limit supplier liability, and align with Convention on Supplementary Compensation (CSC, 1997) to enhance investor confidence.
- Make AERB a statutory authority for transparent safety oversight.
- Financing & Investment Incentives: Classify nuclear power as "renewable energy" to enable access to green bonds, tax incentives, and low-cost climate financing.
- Allow FDI up to 49% in nuclear projects to retain Indian control, and promote joint ventures.
- Accelerate Reactor Deployment: Standardize the 220 MW PHWR design for use in Bharat SMRs to reduce commissioning time and make 5 SMRs operational by 2033. Simultaneously, scale up NPCIL's plans for the 700 MW PHWR.
- Fast-track the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant (JNPP) deal with France and revive US negotiations for AP1000 reactors in Kovvada, Andhra Pradesh.
- Fuel Security & Supply Chain: Secure uranium and thorium supplies through long-term deals with Canada, Kazakhstan, and Australia, and accelerate R&D on thorium reactors like BHAVINI’s PFBR.
- Develop indigenous supply chains and set up nuclear industrial parks to localize key technologies.
Conclusion
- Nuclear energy is vital for India’s energy security, industrial growth, and climate goals. Achieving 100 GW by 2047 requires private participation, legislative reforms, and global collaborations. Addressing liability laws, financing hurdles, and fuel supply constraints will be key. Strategic policy shifts can position nuclear power as a cornerstone of Viksit Bharat and net-zero commitments.
Drishti Mains Question: Enumerate the major challenges in expanding nuclear energy generation in India and suggest possible solutions. |
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA safeguards” while others are not? (2020)
(a) Some use uranium and others use thorium
(b) Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
(c) Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises
(d) Some are State-owned and others are privately owned
Ans: (b)
Q. Consider the following statements: (2017)
- The Nuclear Security Summits are periodically held under the aegis of the United Nations.
- The International Panel on Fissile Materials is an organ of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)
Mains
Q. With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (2018)
Q. Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of the fast breeder reactor programme in India? (2017)