{"id":56340,"date":"2025-07-23T11:33:50","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T06:03:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=56340"},"modified":"2025-07-23T11:33:50","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T06:03:50","slug":"unlocking-indias-nuclear-power-potential-by-2047","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/unlocking-indias-nuclear-power-potential-by-2047\/","title":{"rendered":"Unlocking India&#8217;s Nuclear Power Potential by 2047"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><b>India Nuclear Power 2047 Latest News<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Union Budget 2025\u201326 signals a major shift in India\u2019s energy strategy by setting an ambitious target of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047, a sharp rise from the current 8.18 GW.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This aligns with the dual national goals of <\/span><b>Viksit Bharat by 2047<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>achieving net-zero emissions by 2070<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To advance this vision, the <\/span><b>Nuclear Energy Mission<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has earmarked \u20b920,000 crore to develop at least five indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Achieving these goals will require private sector participation, which in turn demands reforms in the <\/span><b>Atomic Energy Act, 1962<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the <\/span><b>Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond legal reforms, a broader mindset shift is essential to transition nuclear energy from a government-led domain to a public-private growth engine.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>India\u2019s Nuclear Power Journey: A Tale of Early Promise, Isolation, and Gradual Progress<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India\u2019s nuclear programme began early, with the <\/span><b>Apsara reactor<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> established in 1956 and nuclear power development initiated at Tarapore in 1963.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Homi Bhabha had envisioned 8 GW of nuclear power by 1980.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, geopolitical events such as the 1962 war with China, India\u2019s refusal to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1968, and its 1974 Peaceful Nuclear Explosion led to international isolation and export restrictions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India focused on <\/span><b>indigenising nuclear technology<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, eventually developing <\/span><b>220 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which used natural uranium.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Post-1998 nuclear tests and subsequent diplomatic engagement led to India being recognised as a responsible nuclear power.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It culminated in a waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), allowing renewed international cooperation.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite this, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India\u2019s Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA) discouraged foreign participation in building new nuclear plants<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, leaving Russia as the only active partner under a pre-CLNDA agreement, constructing six VVER-1000 reactors at Kudankulam.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Nuclear Power Key to India\u2019s Green Development Goals<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To achieve developed nation status by 2047, India must grow its per capita income from $2,800 to $22,000 and its GDP from $4 trillion to over $35 trillion.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since economic growth is closely linked with energy consumption, India\u2019s electricity generation capacity \u2014 currently 480 GW, split equally between fossil fuels and renewables \u2014 must grow fivefold.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, renewable energy sources like solar and wind are intermittent and currently contribute only a fraction of total electricity generation.\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 2024, despite comprising half the capacity, renewables generated just 240 TWh, while coal plants provided 75% of the total power.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India\u2019s climate commitments \u2014 including net zero emissions by 2070, 500 GW of non-fossil energy by 2030, and 50% energy demand met through renewables \u2014 restrict future dependence on fossil fuels.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With renewables expected to meet only 20-25% of demand even with advanced storage solutions, nuclear energy emerges as a crucial alternative.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Unlocking India\u2019s Nuclear Future: Creating an Enabling Environment<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To meet its ambitious target of 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047, India is focusing on multiple strategic and structural reforms.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The government has outlined a three-pronged approach to scale nuclear capacity, attract private participation, and modernize its legal and regulatory framework.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Three-Pronged Expansion Strategy<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Standardising Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India plans to standardise the 220 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) design for Bharat Small Modular Reactors, which can replace over 100 GW of aging captive thermal plants in the next 20 years.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This standardisation will cut costs and commissioning timelines.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Scaling 700 MW PHWR Projects<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) will expedite its 700 MW reactor projects by simplifying land acquisition, fast-tracking clearances, and strengthening domestic supply chains.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Reinvigorating Global Partnerships<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talks with France and the U.S. \u2014 long delayed \u2014 are set to be accelerated to bring in foreign expertise and advanced reactor technologies.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Reforming Nuclear Legislation<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Atomic Energy Act Overhaul<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 1962 Act, which reserves nuclear power exclusively for the government, must be amended to allow private sector participation.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Questions over ownership structure, operator responsibilities, and fuel supply assurance need to be addressed in consultation with key industry players.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>CLNDA Amendments<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, must be revised \u2014 especially the contentious liability clause \u2014 to reduce legal risks for suppliers and attract foreign investment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tariff Disputes and Regulation<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disputes like NPCIL vs Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam raise questions about whether nuclear tariffs should follow the Electricity Act framework.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With private players entering, clear and predictable tariff-setting mechanisms are essential.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Independent Nuclear Regulator Needed<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although India has a strong safety record, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), currently under the Department of Atomic Energy, lacks full independence.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 2011 draft Bill to establish AERB as an autonomous statutory body must be revived, especially with private participation on the horizon.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Incentivising Nuclear Investments<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Reclassify as Renewable<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Though low-carbon, nuclear is not officially labelled \u201crenewable.\u201d Reclassifying it would unlock tax benefits and access to green financing instruments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Viability Gap Funding &amp; PPAs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Long-term power purchase agreements and targeted funding support will make nuclear investments more attractive.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The sector should be opened up to FDI \u2014 possibly up to 49% \u2014 to maintain Indian control while bringing in global capital.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Public Sector JVs and the Road Ahead<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Past attempts at reform have been slow. For example, a 2011 NPCIL-NTPC joint venture languished for years before being revived recently.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This JV will now construct four 700 MW units at Mahi Banswara, Rajasthan.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A similar venture with Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) is also under consideration. However, these remain government-led.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To achieve 100 GW by 2047, India must go beyond these efforts and aggressively pursue private and foreign collaboration.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The time for half-measures is over \u2014 a comprehensive, forward-looking reform push is essential.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Source:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/redeeming-indias-nuclear-power-promise\/article69842203.ece#:~:text=One%20is%20to%20standardise%20the,over%20the%20next%20two%20decades.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TH<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>India targets 100 GW nuclear power by 2047. Discover key reforms, energy goals, and private sector role in India&#8217;s clean energy future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":56381,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[1749,60,22,59],"class_list":{"0":"post-56340","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-upsc-mains-current-affairs","8":"tag-india-nuclear-power-2047","9":"tag-mains-articles","10":"tag-upsc-current-affairs","11":"tag-upsc-mains-current-affairs","12":"no-featured-image-padding"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56340","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=56340"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56340\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/56381"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56340"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=56340"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=56340"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}