Summary - Nuclear Power in India 2026

Nuclear power has emerged as a critical source of reliable baseload generation, supporting grid stability and energy security amid India’s rapidly growing electricity demand.
The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Technology for India (SHANTI) Act, which was enacted in December 2025, marked a key policy milestone for India’s nuclear power sector, addressing long-standing concerns on civil liability and private participation, while supporting the expansion of nuclear capacity from 8.78 GW to 22 GW by 2032 and 100 GW by 2047. The introduction of graded liability provisions under the act aims to allocate risk proportionately among stakeholders, balancing accountability with the need to attract investment into a capital-intensive sector. Another enabling measure has been the basic customs duty exemption on all nuclear project imports until 2035, providing an immediate and significant cost reduction for nuclear projects.
Public sector major NPCIL plans to add 22 GW by 2032, and another significant 32 GW of capacity beyond 2032. Meanwhile, India’s largest power generation company, NTPC Limited, will contribute to around 30 GW of the 100 GW target across 14 states.
In terms of technology, PHWRs are expected to constitute the bulk of the 100 GW roadmap, with approximately 50 GW of capacity from this technology by 2047 and aimed for use in energy-intensive industries, data centres and remote areas, as well as for the replacement of retiring coal plant clusters in space-constrained brownfield locations. Alongside the large PHWR-based fleet programme, three indigenous small modular reactor designs, including the 200 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR), are being developed. The prototype fast breeder reactor at Kalpakkam at 500 MWe, which recently achieved criticality, is the first operational proof of closed fuel cycle ambitions in India’s three-stage programme.
Overall, the scale of India’s nuclear energy expansion is huge, and will require huge capital both in terms of equity and debt, with an estimated financing requirement of Rs 19.3 trillion to meet the 100 GW goal by 2047. While the SHANTI Act has paved the way for private investment, the industry now awaits policy clarity on detailed rules, procedures and guidelines to make the framework functional on the ground.

The mission of this one-day conference is to discuss the trends, developments and challenges in India’s nuclear power sector. It will bring together policymakers, public and private sector developers, OEMs, technology providers, EPC contractors, consultants, law firms and financiers to discuss the emerging opportunities and way forward for India’s nuclear power sector.