Whalesbook
Uranium Imports Fuel Nuclear Growth
India has imported 18,842.60 metric tonnes of uranium for its nuclear reactors between fiscal years 2008-2009 and 2024-2025. These imports were made under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, which ensure international oversight of nuclear materials.
Nuclear Power Generation Rises Sharply
Using imported uranium for nuclear power generation has increased substantially. Output rose from 3,704 million units in 2009-2010 to an estimated 39,180 million units by 2024-2025. By January, 33,815 million units had already been generated for the 2025-2026 period.
Ambitious Plan for 100 GW Nuclear Capacity
Minister Jitendra Singh told the Lok Sabha that the government plans to achieve 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity. The current capacity, at 8.78 GW (excluding RAPS-1), is expected to grow to about 22 GW by 2031-32 as ongoing projects advance.
Future Growth and Expansion
Beyond 2032, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) aims to add another 32 GW, targeting a total of around 54 GW by 2047. This expansion will incorporate indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and Light Water Reactors (LWRs) developed with foreign partners. The remaining 46 GW is set to be developed using various business models involving other public sector firms, state governments, and private companies.