India Targets 100 GW Nuclear Power by 2047 for Climate Goals and Economic Growth

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has set a bold goal to generate 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear-powered electricity by 2047. This strategic initiative is designed to address India's rapidly growing energy demand, which is expected to nearly triple to 28,000 TWh by 2047, and to help fulfil the nation's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070. The DAE's vision for 100 GW nuclear capacity is multifaceted, incorporating the development of large indigenous reactors, fostering international collaborations, and significantly promoting Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) alongside advanced technologies like fast breeder systems and thorium-based fuels. India has already seen a substantial increase in its nuclear electricity generation over the past decade, with installed capacity growing by 71% to 8,880 MW. Policy reforms, including the Indian Nuclear Insurance Pool and amendments to the Atomic Energy Act, are enabling public sector joint ventures and are planned to allow private participation for further expansion, with initiatives like the ₹20,000-crore Nuclear Energy Mission for SMRs. The DAE also engages in critical research and development in areas supporting semiconductor manufacturing and medical isotopes. Nuclear energy is positioned as a dependable baseload power source within India's broader energy strategy. Impact This plan signifies a massive push towards clean energy and energy security, potentially leading to significant investment in the nuclear power sector and related industries such as heavy engineering, construction, and specialized component manufacturing. It positions India as a leader in nuclear technology adoption. Rating: 9/10 Difficult Terms: Gigawatts (GW): A unit of power equal to one billion watts, used for large-scale electricity generation capacity. Net-zero: Achieving a balance where greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere are equal to those removed. TWh (Terawatt-hour): A unit of energy representing one trillion watt-hours, used to measure electricity consumption or generation over time. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Compact, factory-built nuclear reactors designed for easier deployment and scalability compared to traditional large reactors. Fast breeder systems: Nuclear reactors capable of producing more fissile material than they consume, potentially recycling nuclear fuel. Thorium-based fuels: Utilizing thorium, a radioactive element, as fuel in nuclear reactors, offering potential benefits in sustainability and waste management. Capacity Factor: The ratio of actual energy produced by a power plant to its maximum potential output over a given period. Availability Factor: The percentage of time a power plant is operational and available to generate electricity. Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs): A type of nuclear reactor using heavy water as both coolant and moderator, common in India's indigenous program. Baseload: The minimum electricity demand of a power grid, typically supplied by continuously operating power sources like nuclear or coal plants.