India Targets Five Small Modular Reactors by 2033 - Energy | PriceONN
India expects to build domestically five small modular reactors (SMRs) by 2033, India’s Atomic Energy Minister, Jitendra Singh, has said. The five SMRs would be part of India’s push to accelerate nuclear power capacity installations over the next two decades, the minister told lawmakers in a written reply to questions as carried by local media. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), India’s premier nuclear research facility under the Department of Atomic Energy, is currently developing a...

Domestic Nuclear Power Surge Planned

New Delhi is charting an ambitious course for its energy future, targeting the construction of five indigenous small modular reactors (SMRs) by the year 2033. This declaration comes from India’s Atomic Energy Minister, Jitendra Singh, who outlined the initiative as a critical component of the nation's accelerated nuclear power expansion plans over the coming twenty years. The minister communicated this vision to lawmakers through a written submission, local media reported.

At the heart of this endeavor is the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), India’s foremost nuclear research institution. BARC is actively engaged in the development of several advanced reactor designs. These include a 220-megawatt (MW) Bharat Small Modular Reactor and a smaller 55-MW unit. Additionally, a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor is in development, specifically engineered for the efficient production of hydrogen, a vital element for future energy solutions.

This push aligns with India's comprehensive nuclear energy roadmap. The country aims to elevate its installed nuclear power generation capacity from the current 8.78 gigawatts (GW) to approximately 22 GW by the fiscal year 2031-32. Looking further ahead, the long-term objective is a monumental increase to 100 GW by 2047, a significant leap from its present 8.8 GW output.

Investment and Expansion Drive

Achieving such a substantial capacity increase, from under 9 GW to 100 GW, will necessitate substantial financial backing. A panel commissioned by India’s power ministry estimated in a 'roadmap to 100 GW' report last year that cumulative capital investment could reach as high as 19.28 trillion Indian rupees, equivalent to roughly $200 billion at prevailing exchange rates.

A landmark development facilitating this expansion was the approval of the Atomic Energy Bill by the Indian government at the close of 2025. This legislation marks the first time private enterprises are permitted to invest in the nation's nuclear energy sector. The act, officially termed the Sustainable Harnessing of Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, is poised to unlock significant private capital, fueling growth in this critical industry.

While private investment is now a key pillar, the state-owned utility NTPC Ltd, India's largest power producer, is expected to contribute a substantial 30% of the new nuclear capacity planned by 2047. NTPC, currently the sole operator of nuclear power plants in India, is proactively securing its fuel supply chain. The company is reportedly exploring global uranium asset acquisitions to support the anticipated massive scale-up of nuclear power generation.

The Bigger Picture

India's strategic pivot towards a more robust nuclear energy infrastructure, underscored by the SMR initiative and a ten-fold capacity target by 2047, signifies a profound commitment to energy security and decarbonization. The introduction of SMRs offers a more flexible and potentially faster deployment model compared to traditional large-scale reactors, allowing for modular growth and adaptation to evolving energy demands.

The government's proactive legislative measures, such as the SHANTI Act, are designed to de-risk private investment and encourage participation from both domestic and international players. This policy shift is crucial for mobilizing the estimated $200 billion required to meet the ambitious 100 GW target.

Furthermore, the focus on hydrogen production via high-temperature gas-cooled reactors highlights India's forward-thinking approach, integrating nuclear power not just for electricity generation but also as a key enabler for a future hydrogen economy. This diversification of nuclear applications could unlock new avenues for growth and innovation within the sector.

The move by NTPC to secure global uranium assets is a prudent step, recognizing that a tenfold increase in nuclear capacity will place immense strain on fuel supply chains. Diversification of fuel sources mitigates geopolitical risks and ensures operational stability for the nation's burgeoning nuclear fleet.

The success of this ambitious plan hinges on several factors: consistent policy support, effective regulatory oversight, successful technological development and deployment of SMRs, and the ability to attract and manage the vast capital investment required. The timeline is aggressive, but the potential rewards for India's energy independence and climate goals are immense.

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