100GW Nuclear Power By 2047

India has set a goal of developing 100GW of nuclear power by the year 2047, marking a 12-fold increase from current levels. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced this commitment, highlighting the importance of nuclear energy in ensuring the country’s energy security. To support this expansion, the government has proposed a nuclear energy mission, backed by ₹20,000 crore for R&D.

As part of this plan, India aims to establish at least 5 homegrown Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033. These SMRs are small, factory-manufactured nuclear reactors that can be installed in different locations, offering a more flexible and scalable approach to nuclear power generation.

India’s nuclear energy program began expanding in the mid-1970s, but it saw a major boost after the Indo-US nuclear deal in 2008. This agreement led to the removal of nuclear fuel and technology sanctions imposed by the US on India. As a result, India was able to access advanced nuclear technology and nuclear fuel from global suppliers.

Following the deal, several civilian nuclear reactors were placed under the inspection of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), ensuring compliance with international safety standards. This move allowed India to increase its nuclear energy generation significantly after 2008.

As a result, 2025 is expected to see global nuclear power generation reach an all-time high.

Currently, nuclear power accounts for about 10% of global electricity generation. Around 63 nuclear reactors are under construction worldwide, contributing to 70% of the planned capacity expansion.

China is leading this expansion, heavily relying on Russian and Chinese nuclear technology. While developed countries like the US and European nations face challenges with aging nuclear infrastructure, China is rapidly increasing its capacity and is expected to overtake both the US and EU in nuclear power generation by 2030.

In contrast, Europe has seen a decline in nuclear energy’s share of total electricity production. It fell from 34% in the 1990s to 23% in 2023, reflecting a shift towards renewable energy sources and public concerns over nuclear safety.