India’s 100 GW Nuclear Goal by 2047: Too Ambitious?

Introduction

India has set an ambitious goal of increasing its nuclear power capacity from the current 8.2 gigawatts (GW) to 100 GW by 2047—a nearly 12-fold expansion​. This plan, introduced as part of the Union Budget 2025-26, is driven by the need to enhance energy security, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and cut carbon emissions​. However, achieving such a massive expansion in just over two decades presents significant challenges, including financial constraints, technological limitations, regulatory hurdles, and public scepticism regarding nuclear safety​. While nuclear power is a clean energy source that can complement renewables like solar and wind, the feasibility of reaching 100 GW by 2047 remains questionable. This essay explores why scepticism about India’s nuclear expansion plan is justified by examining key issues that could slow down progress.

The Scale of Expansion: A Mammoth Task

India currently operates 24 nuclear reactors with a total installed capacity of approximately 8.2 GW​. The government aims to increase this capacity to 22.5 GW by 2030 and then scale it up further to 100 GW by 2047​. However, considering the country’s past pace of nuclear expansion, this goal seems highly optimistic.

• Over the last decade, India’s nuclear capacity grew from 4.78 GW in 2013-14 to 8.18 GW in 2023-24, which is an increase of just 70%​. At this rate, reaching 100 GW in the next 23 years would require an unprecedented acceleration.
• The ongoing construction of reactors will only bring India’s nuclear capacity to 22.48 GW by 2031-32​. The country will still need to build nearly 80 GW in the remaining 15 years, which is an extremely difficult task.

Given these figures, India’s nuclear expansion is not just ambitious but potentially unrealistic.

High Costs and Investment Challenges

Developing nuclear energy is highly capital-intensive. The Indian government has allocated ₹20,000 crore (approximately $2.4 billion) to research and development in nuclear power, particularly in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)​. However, this amount is a fraction of the actual investment needed to build new reactors.

• Large-scale nuclear power plants require billions of dollars in upfront investment. For instance, just 10 indigenous 700 MW reactors will cost an estimated ₹1,05,000 crore (around $12.6 billion)​.
• Private sector participation is crucial, but nuclear projects require long-term investments with delayed returns, making them less attractive for investors​.
• International collaboration is necessary for financing and technology, but reliance on foreign partners like Russia and the US could slow down the process​.

While India has seen private sector interest in nuclear energy, companies remain hesitant due to financial risks and strict liability laws​. Without significant policy reforms and funding, achieving 100 GW by 2047 remains uncertain.

Technological and Infrastructure Challenges

India has set an ambitious goal to generate 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power by 2047. This plan aims to improve energy security and reduce carbon emissions. However, achieving this target is uncertain due to several challenges.

Building nuclear power plants is extremely expensive. The Indian government has allocated funds, but the investment needed is far greater. Private companies are hesitant to invest because nuclear projects take years to complete and require large amounts of money. Additionally, nuclear power relies on advanced technology, which India still depends on other countries for. Without enough funding and domestic expertise, rapid expansion will be difficult.

Technological hurdles also slow down progress. India is working on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs), but these technologies are still developing. SMRs are smaller and cheaper, but large-scale production will take time. FBRs promise more efficient fuel use, yet they have faced repeated delays. Building the infrastructure for so many new reactors, including waste disposal systems and cooling facilities, will also take years.

Strict regulations and safety concerns create further roadblocks. Nuclear energy is highly regulated, and private companies cannot yet operate plants. Laws may change, but reforms take time. Public opposition, like protests against the Kudankulam plant, can delay projects. Additionally, managing radioactive waste safely is a major issue. Without strong policies and public trust, nuclear expansion will remain slow.

While nuclear power can help India meet its energy needs, the 100 GW goal by 2047 may be too ambitious. High costs, slow technology development, strict regulations, and public resistance make this target difficult to achieve.

Regulatory and Safety Concerns

India’s nuclear expansion faces major hurdles due to strict regulations and public concerns about safety. The government controls all nuclear power plants, and laws prevent private companies from operating them. Changing these laws could take years, slowing progress.

Safety fears also make expansion difficult. After the 2011 Fukushima disaster in Japan, many countries reduced their nuclear plans. In India, people have protested against nuclear plants, like in Kudankulam, fearing accidents and radiation risks. Such opposition can delay or even stop projects.

Another challenge is handling nuclear waste. When nuclear fuel is used, it leaves behind radioactive waste that remains dangerous for thousands of years. India does not yet have a proper long-term storage system for this waste. Without a solution, expanding nuclear power becomes risky.

These issues make it hard for India to quickly increase its nuclear energy capacity. Strict regulations, safety fears, and waste management problems all add to the difficulties. Even with government support, overcoming these challenges will take time.

For nuclear expansion to succeed, India must reform its laws, improve waste disposal methods, and gain public trust. Without these steps, achieving 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047 will remain a tough goal.

Competing with Renewables

India is rapidly expanding its renewable energy sector, aiming for 500 gigawatts (GW) of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. Solar and wind power are growing quickly because they are cheaper and easier to set up than nuclear energy.

Unlike nuclear plants, which take years or even decades to build, solar and wind farms can be installed in just a few months. This makes them a faster solution to India’s energy needs. The government is also providing incentives, such as subsidies and tax benefits, to encourage investment in renewables, making them even more attractive.

If renewables keep growing at this pace, nuclear power could struggle to compete. Investors may prefer faster and less risky renewable projects, reducing the financial support available for nuclear energy. As a result, building expensive nuclear plants may become harder to justify, especially when cheaper alternatives exist.

Although nuclear energy provides reliable and continuous power, its growth is challenged by the rapid expansion of renewables. The government must carefully balance its energy investments to ensure that nuclear power remains a viable option in the future.

To achieve its nuclear energy goals, India must address competition from renewables by improving nuclear technology, reducing costs, and ensuring a stable energy mix that includes both nuclear and renewable sources.

Conclusion

India’s plan to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047 is an ambitious goal driven by the need for clean and reliable energy. However, multiple challenges—slow past growth, high costs, technological and regulatory barriers, public opposition, and competition from renewables—make this target highly uncertain.

While nuclear energy can play a role in India’s energy future, a more realistic approach may be needed. Instead of aiming for 100 GW, a gradual expansion supported by strong policy reforms, increased investment, and technological advancements could yield better results. The path to a nuclear-powered future is promising but remains filled with hurdles. Thus, scepticism regarding India’s ambitious nuclear goal is justified, and careful planning will be essential to ensure progress without unrealistic expectations.