Nuclear power is a clean and environment friendly, base load source of electricity available 24x7, apart from having a huge potential to contribute the country’s long term energy security. Expansion of nuclear energy is also expected to contribute towards reduction in dependence on fossil fuels and support India’s commitment towards net zero carbon emission by 2070. Government has announced the Nuclear Energy Mission as outlined in the Union Budget 2025–26, with an aim to achieve the nuclear power generation capacity of 100 GWe by 2047 for energy security and self-reliance in energy sector.

An indigenous three-stage nuclear power programme has been envisaged to promote self-reliance and support long term energy security in a sustainable manner. The lifecycle emissions of nuclear power are comparable to those of renewables like hydro and wind.

The installed nuclear power capacity since 2013-14 has increased from 4780 MW to 8780 MW (excluding RAPS-1 - 100 MW) at present. A total capacity of 13600 MW (including PFBR) is presently at various stages of implementation and is expected to be completed progressively by 2031-32.

As a part of the nuclear energy mission to reach a capacity of 100 GW by 2047, two new fleets of 10 reactors each of indigenous 700 MW PHWRs and two (02) FBRs each of 500 MW have been envisaged. All FBRs and part of the fleets of PHRWs will be using indigenous fuel.

Additionally, BARC has undertaken design, development and establishment of SMRs suitable for deployment as captive power plants for the energy intensive sectors. Under the Nuclear Energy Mission, funds have also been allocated for R&D of indigenous SMRs by 2033.

A roadmap for the Nuclear Energy Mission to reach a nuclear power capacity of about 100 GW by 2047 has been drawn up by the Department of Atomic Energy and Ministry of Power. At present, there is no proposal for setting up of 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 and two more units of 700 MW each (GHAVP- 3 & 4) are at various stages of implementation.

This information given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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