The Government has announced a Nuclear Energy Mission to reach a capacity of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047. The Government has also enacted the SHANTI Act to enable wider participation of private sector in nuclear power towards the accomplishment of the nuclear energy Mission.

The Government has announced development of five indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) designs to be deployed by 2033. BARC has undertaken design, development and establishment of SMRs [220 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor, 55 MWe Small Modular Reactor, Up to 5 MWth High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor] and suitable for deployment as captive power plants for the energy intensive sectors, repurposing of retiring fossil fuel-based power plants, and deployment in remote location with no grid connectivity. Under the Nuclear Energy Mission, funds have also been allocated for R&D of indigenous SMRs by 2033.

At present, seventeen nuclear reactors with a total capacity of 13600 MW (including PFBR) are at various stages of implementation, which are expected to be completed progressively by 2031-32. The Government has drawn up a comprehensive road map to reach a capacity of about 100 GW by 2047. The present nuclear power capacity is planned to be increased to about 22 GW by 2031-32 on progressive completion of projects under implementation.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions and Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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