India Sets Ambitious Target to Build Five Small Modular Nuclear Reactors by 2033
In a significant development for the country's energy landscape, India's Minister of Atomic Energy, Jitendra Singh, has announced an ambitious plan to construct five small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) by 2033. This initiative forms a cornerstone of India's broader strategy to accelerate nuclear power capacity installation over the next two decades, as reported by local media outlets.
Small Modular Reactor Development Plan
According to Minister Singh, the five SMRs will play a pivotal role in India's energy strategy, helping the country diversify its electricity supply sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Small Modular Reactors, with capacities typically under 300 MW compared to traditional nuclear plants, offer several advantages including lower costs, enhanced safety features, and greater flexibility in deployment.
| Project | Capacity (MW) | Characteristics | Development Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bharat Small Modular Reactor | 220 | Modular reactor design | In development |
| Small Reactor | 55 | Low-capacity design | In development |
| High-Temperature Reactor | To be determined | Designed for hydrogen production | In development |
Active Nuclear Reactor Projects
The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), India's premier nuclear research facility under the Atomic Energy Department, is currently developing three different types of nuclear reactors. Among these, the 220 MW Bharat Small Modular Reactor stands out as a flagship project, complemented by a 55 MW reactor and a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor specifically designed for hydrogen production.
"These projects demonstrate India's strong commitment to developing advanced and sustainable nuclear technology," Minister Singh emphasized in a written response to parliament members.
India's Nuclear Energy Vision
According to India's nuclear energy roadmap, the country aims to increase its installed nuclear power capacity from the current 8.78 gigawatts (GW) to approximately 22 GW by the financial year 2031-32. This represents merely the initial phase of a much more ambitious plan.
The ultimate objective for India is to expand its nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047, up from the current 8.8 GW. To achieve this target, India requires approximately 19.28 lakh crore Indian rupees (equivalent to 200 billion USD at current exchange rates), according to the "100 GW Roadmap" report released last year by a committee from India's Ministry of Power.
| Timeline | Target Capacity (GW) | Growth from Current |
|---|---|---|
| Current | 8.78 | - |
| 2031-32 | 22 | 150% |
| 2047 | 100 | 1,039% |
Private Investment and Partnerships
At the end of 2025, the Indian government approved a landmark Atomic Energy bill that allows private companies to invest in India's nuclear energy industry for the first time. This significant move comes as the country seeks to tenfold its nuclear power capacity within two decades.
The bill, named SHANTI (Sustainable Harnessing of Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India), has the potential to attract substantial investments from private companies into India's nuclear energy sector, potentially revolutionizing the industry's development trajectory.
Role of NTPC in the Future
However, India's state-owned NTPC Ltd, the country's largest utility company, is expected to account for 30% of the new nuclear power capacity to be installed by 2047. Currently, NTPC is the only nuclear power producer in India.
NTPC is now seeking to acquire stakes in uranium assets globally to secure fuel for the anticipated expansion of India's nuclear power capacity. This strategic move addresses the critical challenge of uranium supply—a key factor for the development of India's nuclear industry.
Challenges and Opportunities
The plan to build five SMRs by 2033, coupled with the ambitious target of reaching 100 GW capacity by 2047, underscores India's strong commitment to developing nuclear energy as a crucial component of its long-term energy strategy. The involvement of the private sector through the SHANTI bill opens new avenues for investment and technological innovation, while NTPC continues to play a leading role in implementing large-scale nuclear projects.
However, challenges related to uranium supply, substantial initial investment costs, and safety concerns remain critical factors that India must address to fully realize its nuclear energy potential in the coming decades. The successful implementation of these plans will position India as a significant player in the global nuclear energy landscape.