Policy Lab

India's Nuclear Energy Capacity: The 100 GW Roadmap

With 7.4 GW operational and 8 GW under construction, India's Nuclear Energy Mission targets 100 GW by 2047. We examine the fleet, planned reactors, and the road ahead for small modular reactors.

March 22, 2026·The Breakdown Desk·6 min read

India operates 22 reactors across 7 sites with a total capacity of 7,480 MW
8,000 MW under construction: 4 x 700 MW PHWRs at Rawatbhata & Gorakhpur, 2 x 1,000 MW VVERs at Kudankulam
Nuclear Energy Mission 2025-26 allocated ₹20,000 crore for new builds and SMR development
Target of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 requires ~5 GW/year addition for two decades
Small Modular Reactors identified as key technology for repurposing retiring coal plant sites
India and France advancing Jaitapur project (6 x 1,650 MW EPR reactors) — India's largest nuclear plant

Quick Facts

Current Capacity

7,480 MW (22 reactors)

Source: NPCIL

Under Construction

8,000 MW

Source: DAE Annual Report

Target (2047)

100,000 MW

Source: Nuclear Energy Mission

Budget 2025-26

₹20,000 Cr

Source: Union Budget

Fleet Load Factor

76% (2024-25)

Source: NPCIL

Nuclear Share of Electricity

~3.1%

Source: CEA

The Nuclear vs Renewables Debate

For

Nuclear provides baseload 24/7 power with zero carbon emissions. Unlike solar (15-20% CUF) and wind (20-30% CUF), nuclear plants operate at over 80% capacity factor, making them essential for grid stability as India targets 500 GW renewable capacity by 2030.

Source: Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Former DAE Chairman

Against

Nuclear is the most expensive source of electricity in India at ₹4.5-6.0/kWh, compared to ₹2.2-2.5/kWh for solar. Long construction timelines (8-12 years), high upfront costs, and unresolved waste disposal issues make it a poor bet compared to renewables plus battery storage.

Source: Centre for Science and Environment

What's Next

2026–2027

Gorakhpur Unit 1 & 2 (2 x 700 MW PHWR) commissioned

High probability

2027–2028

Kudankulam Unit 5 & 6 (VVER-1000) grid synchronisation

Medium probability

2028

First Bharat Small Reactor (BSR) deployment at retiring coal site

Medium probability

2030

India-France Jaitapur EPR project final investment decision

Low-Medium probability

2031

Nuclear Liability Law amendments expected to attract private investment

Medium probability

2047

Target: 100 GW nuclear capacity for Viksit Bharat

Aspirational probability

Executive Summary

India operates 22 reactors across 7 sites with a total capacity of 7,480 MW

8,000 MW under construction: 4 x 700 MW PHWRs at Rawatbhata & Gorakhpur, 2 x 1,000 MW VVERs at Kudankulam

Nuclear Energy Mission 2025-26 allocated ₹20,000 crore for new builds and SMR development

Target of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 requires ~5 GW/year addition for two decades

Small Modular Reactors identified as key technology for repurposing retiring coal plant sites

India and France advancing Jaitapur project (6 x 1,650 MW EPR reactors) — India's largest nuclear plant

The Nuclear vs Renewables Debate

For

Source: Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Former DAE Chairman

Against

Source: Centre for Science and Environment

What's Next

2026–2027

Gorakhpur Unit 1 & 2 (2 x 700 MW PHWR) commissioned

High probability

2027–2028

Kudankulam Unit 5 & 6 (VVER-1000) grid synchronisation

Medium probability

2028

First Bharat Small Reactor (BSR) deployment at retiring coal site

Medium probability

2030

India-France Jaitapur EPR project final investment decision

Low-Medium probability

2031

Nuclear Liability Law amendments expected to attract private investment

Medium probability

2047

Target: 100 GW nuclear capacity for Viksit Bharat

Aspirational probability