India's Nuclear Renaissance: 100 GW Roadmap: UPSC Current Affairs Analysis & Study Strategy

In-Depth Analysis

The Big Picture

India is pivoting from a purely state-controlled, thorium-centric long-term vision to a pragmatic, market-integrated energy strategy targeting 100 GW by 2047. This shift balances indigenous 700 MW PHWR deployment with the rapid adoption of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to replace aging thermal infrastructure. The overarching tension lies in reconciling stringent domestic liability laws (CLNDA 2010) with the need for foreign technology and private capital to achieve Net Zero 2070.

Cross-Theme Insight

The threads collectively reveal a 'Regulatory-Technological-Financial' triad being built to break the historical stagnation of India's nuclear sector. While Thread 5 looks at historical milestones (Apsara, Tarapur), Threads 2 and 3 show that technology (SMRs) and law (CLNDA amendments) are now being synchronized. Together, they indicate that India is moving away from the 'Strategic Autonomy' isolation of the past towards 'Strategic Integration' with global supply chains (IAEA/US NRC) and domestic private players (NTPC).

Textbook vs Reality Gap

Standard textbooks like Nitin Singhania (Indian Economy, p. 380) list 'Atomic Energy' as one of the few sectors strictly reserved for the public sector. However, 2025-26 policy shifts (News 4, 6, 16) show active legislative amendments to the Atomic Energy Act 1962 to allow private operators. Furthermore, while Majid Husain (Geography of India, p. 27) notes nuclear power constitutes less than 4% of energy, the new 'National Nuclear Energy Mission' targets a massive capacity jump to 22.4 GW by 2030 and 100 GW by 2047.

How This Theme Is Evolving

In 2025-26, the focus evolved from large-scale indigenous reactor construction (PHWRs) to 'Modular and Private' expansion. The trajectory is moving toward 'Nuclear-Coal Hybridization' where SMRs are deployed at old thermal sites, backed by ₹20,000 crore in funding and US-India regulatory alignment.

UPSC Exam Intelligence

Previous Year Question Pattern

Nuclear energy is traditionally tested via plant locations (CDS 2008, NID 8363), institutional frameworks (IAS 2001, NID 3852), and the Indo-US Deal (CDS 2019, NID 12621). The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act has been a specific focus (CDS 2011, NID 11600), particularly regarding liability caps. Recent years show a shift towards testing 'Climate Goals' and 'Safety/Regulatory' functions of the AERB.

Probable Prelims Angles

• Operational status of India's first Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam (target 2025-26)
• Provisions of the Atomic Energy Act 1962 vs. proposed amendments for private participation
• Function and composition of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) vs. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
• Location of new projects: Mahi Banswara (Rajasthan), GHAVP (Haryana), and Bihar’s first plant
• SMR vs. Traditional PHWR: Differences in scalability, safety, and cooling requirements

Mains Answer Framework

• With India's commitment to reach Net Zero by 2070, nuclear energy has transitioned from a strategic deterrent to a foundational pillar of base-load green power, evidenced by the 100 GW Roadmap for 2047.
• Technological Pivot: Adoption of SMRs to utilize existing thermal plant land and grid infrastructure, reducing land acquisition hurdles.. Legislative Overhaul: Amending CLNDA 2010 to align with international CSC (Convention on Supplementary Compensation) norms to invite GE, Westinghouse, and EDF.. Institutional Strength: The role of BHAVINI in the three-stage program and the AERB’s transition to global safety alignment (bilaterals with US NRC).
• Sustainable energy security requires India to balance its indigenous thorium-cycle research with immediate uranium-based modular capacity expansion through private-public partnerships.

Essay Connections

• Energy Security as National Sovereignty: Using the 100 GW roadmap as a case study for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' in high-tech sectors.
• Technology as a Catalyst for Climate Justice: How SMRs can help developing nations like India bypass the 'Coal Trap'.

Preparation Strategy

Reading Approach

Start with the 'Three-Stage Nuclear Program' in Science & Tech textbooks to understand the Thorium-cycle logic. Then, overlay the current news threads to see how 'Stage 1' is being accelerated via SMRs and 'Stage 2' is reaching fruition with the Kalpakkam PFBR.

Textbook Roadmap

• NCERT Class XII Geography, Chapter 5, p. 61. Traditional nuclear plant locations and the history of AEC/BARC.. Thread 5 (Infrastructure Evolution)
• Majid Husain, Environment & Ecology, p. 16. The list of Radiation Laws and the 1962 Atomic Energy Act.. Thread 3 (Legislative Reform)

Revision Bullets

• 100 GW: Target nuclear capacity by 2047.
• ₹20,000 Crore: Funding earmarked for SMR development under the Nuclear Energy Mission.
• March 2026: Expected first criticality of the 500 MWe PFBR at Kalpakkam.
• CLNDA 2010: Current liability cap is ₹1,500 crore on the operator; amendments seek to ease supplier liability.
• Kakrapar (KAPS): Site of India's first indigenously developed 700 MWe PHWRs.
• Mahi Banswara: 2.8 GW project recently commenced in Rajasthan.

Sub-Themes and News Coverage (5 themes, 24 news items)

India's 100 GW Nuclear Capacity Roadmap & SMR Strategy

Focus: A comprehensive policy push involving legislative amendments, SMR technology adoption, and funding to reach a specific 100 GW nuclear energy target by 2047.

UPSC Value: Useful for tracking the legislative, financial, and technological pillars of India's long-term energy transition strategy.

8 news items in this theme:

• 2026-02-17 [Science & Technology] — Nuclear Safety as Cornerstone for SMR Deployment in India
  India is boosting its nuclear power capacity with Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to meet its 2070 net-zero target. The Union Budget 2026–27 extended the basic customs duty exemption on imports for nuclear power plants until 2035, irrespective of plant capacity. The 2025–26 Budget allocated ₹20,000 crore to develop and deploy SMRs.
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  UPSC Angle: SMRs to meet 2070 net-zero target; customs duty exemption extended.

  Key Facts:

  • India aims for net-zero target by 2070
  • Customs duty exemption on imports for nuclear power plants extended until 2035
  • ₹20,000 crore allocated in 2025–26 Budget for SMR development
  • Target of 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047 under Nuclear Energy Mission (NEM)
• 2026-01-22 [International Relations] — India, IAEA Discuss Nuclear Expansion at WEF; Supports Civil Program
  At the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, met with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi to discuss India's plans to expand its nuclear energy program. The IAEA reiterated its support for India's civil nuclear program and its integration with renewable energy sources to meet growing energy demands and decarbonization goals. India envisions a long-term goal of 100 GW of nuclear energy.
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  UPSC Angle: India, IAEA discuss nuclear expansion at WEF; supports civil program.

  Key Facts:

  • IAEA Director General: Rafael Mariano Grossi
  • Union Minister: Pralhad Joshi
  • Event: World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 in Davos
  • India's nuclear energy vision: 100 GW
  • Meeting: World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026, Davos
  • India's long-term nuclear energy goal: 100 GW
  • Discussion points: Integrated energy planning, role of nuclear power with renewables, capacity building, small modular reactors, nuclear-renewable hybrid systems
• 2026-01-18 [Science & Technology] — India's Nuclear Power Expansion Plans
  India is increasing nuclear power capacity, targeting 22,480 MW by 2030 with both indigenous and imported reactors. India has 24 commissioned reactors with a total capacity of 8180 MW and is constructing 6 more reactors with a total capacity of 4768 MW. India's Long-Term Low Green House Gas Emission Development Strategy recognizes the role of nuclear energy in achieving net-zero targets.
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  UPSC Angle: India targets 22,480 MW nuclear power capacity by 2030.

  Key Facts:

  • India has 24 reactors commissioned with a total installed capacity of 8180 MW.
  • 6 reactors are being constructed with a total capacity of 4768 MWe.
  • India prevented approximately 40 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually by using nuclear power.
  • The Draft National Energy Policy (2017) stipulates increasing nuclear installed capacity to 22,480 MW by 2030.
  • Five new sites for nuclear power plants have been accorded in-principle approval: Kovavada (Andhra Pradesh), Jaitapur (Maharashtra), Mithi Virdi (Gujarat), Bhimpur (Madhya Pradesh), and Haripur (West Bengal).
  • India is considering bids for up to 10 Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) of 700 MW each.
  • This would be the third bulk order for India's indigenous PHWR design.
  • The government may pair the bulk order with industrial incentives.
  • India aims to expand nuclear capacity to 100 gigawatts by 2047.
  • The total investment required is estimated at about $211 billion.
• 2025-09-26 [Science & Technology] — India Focusing on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Technology
  Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted India's interest in small modular reactor (SMR) technology from the US and the need to resolve certain domestic legal issues that hinder foreign participation in India's nuclear energy sector. The US Department of Energy (DoE) has eased a regulatory hurdle, clearing the path for companies like Holtec International to transfer nuclear technology to India.
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  UPSC Angle: India interested in small modular reactor (SMR) technology from US.

  Key Facts:

  • Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal
  • small modular reactor (SMR) technology
  • US Department of Energy (DoE)
  • Holtec International
  • 10CFR810 authorisation
• 2025-07-19 [Science & Technology] — India's Push for 100 GW Nuclear Capacity by 2047
  India is committed to increasing its nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047 to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. This plan includes large nuclear plants and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), encouraging private sector partnerships, and deploying advanced technologies. Currently, India has 8.8 GW of nuclear capacity with plans to add 13.6 GW via 18 reactors under development.
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  UPSC Angle: India aims for 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047.

  Key Facts:

  • Target: 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047
  • Net-zero emissions target: 2070
  • Current nuclear capacity: 8.8 GW
  • Reactors under development: 18
  • Additional capacity from reactors under development: 13.6 GW
  • 500-MW prototype Fast Breeder Reactor in Kalpakkam expected to be commissioned next year
  • Minister of State for Science and Technology: Jitendra Singh
• 2025-05-02 [Science & Technology] — India focuses on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for nuclear energy
  India is shifting its focus to Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to promote the peaceful and responsible use of nuclear energy for sustainable development and is trying to meaningfully contribute to the global discourse on responsible and peaceful use of nuclear energy and reinforce its commitment to a nuclear weapons-free world. SMRs incorporate advanced safety mechanisms, making them inherently safer compared to larger reactors. India's Minister for Power has outlined steps to scale up the country's nuclear energy capacity, including amending the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, to enable broader participation by private and state sectors.
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  UPSC Angle: India focuses on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for nuclear energy.

  Key Facts:

  • India is focusing on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for peaceful and responsible use of nuclear energy.
  • SMRs have advanced safety mechanisms compared to larger reactors.
  • India aims to contribute to the global discourse on peaceful nuclear energy use.
  • The Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 may be amended.
• 2025-04-30 [Science & Technology] — India's Nuclear Expansion Plan
  India's power ministry plans to increase nuclear energy capacity to 100 gigawatts by 2047 to reduce reliance on coal and meet climate goals. Key measures include streamlining approvals and faster land acquisition, with amendments to the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010 expected in the July parliamentary session.
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  UPSC Angle: India plans to increase nuclear energy capacity to 100 GW by 2047.

  Key Facts:

  • India has 24 operating reactors with a total capacity of 8,780 MWe.
  • 18 reactors with a total capacity of 13,600 MWe are in various stages of implementation, including the 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR).
  • Target of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047.
  • More than $2 billion US dollar allocated for research and development on small modular reactors.
  • Plan for at least five indigenous design and operational SMR by 2033.
  • India aims to increase nuclear energy capacity to 100 gigawatts by 2047.
  • Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar chaired a meeting on April 28 to accelerate nuclear project execution.
  • Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010 are expected in the July parliamentary session.
  • India currently has 25 operational reactors with 8.8 gigawatts capacity, contributing about 3% to the country's electricity generation.
  • Eight reactors are under construction, and ten are in pre-project stages.
  • The government proposed allowing private Indian companies to build nuclear plants and foreign companies to take stakes of up to 49% in nuclear power projects.
• 2025-04-30 [Science & Technology] — India to Implement Tax Breaks, Secure Funding for Nuclear Projects
  India needs to implement tax breaks, secure sustained funding and establish varied uranium fuel supply chains as it bids to accelerate the completion of nuclear projects, the country's power minister Manohar Lal told an advisory committee to the country's Power Ministry. The committee as met to discuss steps needed to meet the country's ambitious target of a more than 10-fold increase in its nuclear energy capacity to 100 GW (100,000 MW) by 2047.
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  UPSC Angle: India needs tax breaks and uranium supply chains for nuclear projects.

  Key Facts:

  • India operates 25 commercial nuclear reactors with a total installed capacity of 8,880 MW.
  • Eight reactors with a combined capacity of 6,600 MW are under construction.
  • Another 10 reactors with a total capacity of 7,000 MW are in pre-project stages.
  • IAEA says India has 21 commercial plants in operation and six under construction.

Evolution and Expansion of India's Nuclear Energy Infrastructure

Focus: Items documenting the historical milestones, current project progress, and technological transitions (from research reactors to PHWRs and Fast Breeder Reactors) within India's domestic nuclear power sector.

UPSC Value: Understanding the progression and current status of India's three-stage nuclear power program is essential for topics related to energy security and indigenous technological development.

4 news items in this theme:

• 2026-02-17 [International Relations] — India, France inaugurate Airbus H-125 Helicopter Assembly Line
  Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron virtually inaugurated the Tata Advanced Systems Final Assembly Line of the Airbus H-125 Light Utility Helicopter in Vemagal, Karnataka. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh highlighted the collaboration as a milestone in the strategic partnership between India and France, contributing to the 'Make-in-India' vision. The H-125 program investment is anticipated to exceed Rs 1,000 crore and is likely to create direct & indirect employment opportunities for skilled youth.
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  UPSC Angle: Airbus H-125 Helicopter Assembly Line inaugurated in Karnataka.

  Key Facts:

  • Tata Advanced Systems Final Assembly Line of the Airbus H-125 Light Utility Helicopter inaugurated in Vemagal, Karnataka
  • Investment anticipated to exceed Rs 1,000 crore
  • Will create direct & indirect employment opportunities
  • Collaboration between India and France
  • India-France relationship elevated to "Special Global Strategic Partnership"
  • Joint research, co-design, co-development, and co-production of advanced defence platforms
  • Joint Advanced Technology Development Group created for emerging technologies
  • Inauguration of India's first helicopter final assembly line (Tata Group and Airbus)
  • France expressed interest in India's Pinaka MBRL
• 2025-06-16 [Science & Technology] — Union Minister Reviews Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP)
  The Union Minister for Power visited the Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP) on June 16, 2025, to assess the progress of the nuclear power project being executed by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). The project includes setting up 4 x 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).
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  UPSC Angle: Union Minister reviews Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana.

  Key Facts:

  • Union Minister for Power
  • Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP)
  • June 16, 2025
  • Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)
  • 4 x 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs)
  • 50% of electricity to Haryana
  • Unit-1: first pour of concrete targeted for 2025, first criticality by June 2030, commercial operation by March 2031
  • Unit-2: six-month gap after Unit-1
  • ₹75 crore spent on community development via CSR
• 2025-04-22 [Science & Technology] — India's First Fast-Breeder Nuclear Reactor
  India's first fast-breeder nuclear reactor, the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), is being developed by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam (BHAVINI). The PFBR will have a 500 MW capacity and is expected to be commissioned in 2025-26.
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  UPSC Angle: PFBR is a 500 MW capacity fast-breeder nuclear reactor.

  Key Facts:

  • Reactor type: Fast-breeder nuclear reactor
  • Developer: Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam (BHAVINI)
  • Capacity: 500 MW
  • Expected commissioning: 2025-26
• 2025-04-03 [Science & Technology] — Asia's First Research Reactor
  In 1956, Asia's first research reactor, Apsara, was commissioned at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Trombay. India was the second Asian nation to build a nuclear power plant in 1969 at Tarapur.
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  UPSC Angle: Asia's first research reactor, Apsara, commissioned in 1956.

  Key Facts:

  • Asia's first research reactor: Apsara
  • Commissioned in 1956 at BARC, Trombay
  • India built a nuclear power plant in 1969 at Tarapur

India's Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Deployment Roadmap

Focus: The strategic development, international validation, and site-specific implementation of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a key pillar of India's energy transition.

UPSC Value: Illustrates India's strategy to diversify its nuclear energy mix through modular technology to meet net-zero targets and replace aging thermal infrastructure.

4 news items in this theme:

• 2025-12-18 [Science & Technology] — India to Operationalize Indigenous Small Modular Reactors by 2033
  The Indian government announced plans to operationalize at least 5 indigenously designed Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033 under the Nuclear Energy Mission, with backing of ₹20,000 crore. This initiative aims to scale up nuclear power through advanced and indigenous technologies, with a strong emphasis on SMR R&D and deployment alongside large reactors.
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  UPSC Angle: India to operationalize indigenous Small Modular Reactors by 2033.

  Key Facts:

  • 5 Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to be operationalized by 2033
  • ₹20,000 crore investment
  • Under: Nuclear Energy Mission
  • Focus: Advanced and indigenous technologies, SMR R&D and deployment
• 2025-06-26 [Science & Technology] — Bihar to Host First Nuclear Power Plant
  Bihar is set to host its first nuclear power plant as part of the Government of India's National Nuclear Energy Mission. This makes Bihar one of the first six states to benefit from this initiative. The government has also approved a 1,000 MW battery storage capacity project in Bihar to enhance grid stability and support renewable energy integration.
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  UPSC Angle: Bihar to host its first nuclear power plant.

  Key Facts:

  • State: Bihar
  • Type: small modular reactor based nuclear power plant
  • Approval: Central government
  • Part of: union government's nuclear energy mission announced in the union budget of 2025-26
  • Allocation: ₹20,000 cr
  • Bihar to host its first nuclear power plant.
  • Part of National Nuclear Energy Mission.
  • 1,000 MW battery storage capacity project approved.
• 2025-04-08 [Science & Technology] — NTPC to explore building small modular nuclear reactors
  India's NTPC is considering replacing old coal-fired plants with small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), marking the first such proposal since India opened its nuclear industry. NTPC has requested consultants to conduct feasibility tests on SMRs, which are simpler and more scalable than large nuclear plants. The company aims to identify coal-fired plants for retirement within five years and replace them with SMRs.
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  UPSC Angle: NTPC considering small modular nuclear reactors to replace coal plants.

  Key Facts:

  • NTPC is exploring building small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) to replace older thermal power plants.
  • NTPC wants to retire coal-fired plants within five years and replace them with SMRs.
  • NTPC's current coal power capacity is 63 gigawatts.
  • India aims to reach 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047, up from 8 GW currently.
  • NTPC has begun work on two 2.6 GW nuclear plants and plans to build large nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of about 15 GW.
• 2025-03-27 [Science & Technology] — IAEA Chief Lauds India's Small Nuclear Reactor Initiative
  Rafael Mariano Grossi, the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), praised India's initiative to develop small nuclear reactors, noting India's progress in indigenous nuclear technology and its potential to play a larger global role in the nuclear technology market. Grossi mentioned that India has 20 reactors operating flawlessly and is aiming for 100 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity.
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  UPSC Angle: IAEA chief praises India's small nuclear reactor initiative.

  Key Facts:

  • Rafael Mariano Grossi, IAEA chief, praises India's indigenous small nuclear reactor initiative.
  • India has 20 reactors operating flawlessly.
  • The government is aiming for 100 gigawatts of nuclear power.

Legislative Reform for India's Nuclear Energy Expansion

Focus: Policy deliberations and proposed amendments to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (2010) and Atomic Energy Act (1962) to facilitate private investment and Small Modular Reactor (SMR) development.

UPSC Value: Crucial for understanding the legal and regulatory shifts required to achieve India's net-zero targets and the evolving role of the private sector in strategic energy infrastructure.

4 news items in this theme:

• 2025-11-06 [Polity & Governance] — Amendments to Nuclear Damage Act Considered
  The government is considering legislative amendments to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010, and the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 to attract private investment and foreign technology and expand nuclear power capacity. The government is preparing to modify CLNDA, 2010, to ease strict supplier liability norms and amend the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, to allow private sector participation, particularly in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
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  UPSC Angle: Amendments to Nuclear Damage Act considered to attract private investment.

  Key Facts:

  • Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010
  • Atomic Energy Act, 1962
  • Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
• 2025-09-26 [Economy] — India Amending Nuclear Liability Laws
  India is amending its nuclear liability and atomic energy laws to attract foreign investment and enable private participation in civil nuclear cooperation with the US. Amendments to the CLNDA, 2010, aim to align India's nuclear liability law with international norms.
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  UPSC Angle: India amending nuclear liability laws to attract foreign investment.

  Key Facts:

  • Amending CLNDA 2010 and Atomic Energy Act 1962
  • Objective: Align with international norms and attract foreign investment
  • Amendments crucial to unlock the commercial potential of the Indo-US nuclear deal
  • US Department of Energy eased 10CFR810 authorisation
• 2025-06-17 [Economy] — India's Nuclear Liability Law Amendments
  India is considering easing its nuclear liability laws to attract foreign investment in its nuclear energy sector by reducing accident-related fines on equipment suppliers. The proposed changes aim to streamline liability frameworks and encourage participation from U.S. and other foreign firms in civil nuclear projects. Budget 2025-26 proposed ₹20,000 crore for developing small modular reactors (SMRs) and streamlining liability frameworks.
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  UPSC Angle: India considering easing nuclear liability laws.

  Key Facts:

  • India is considering easing nuclear liability laws to reduce accident-related fines.
  • Budget 2025-26 proposed ₹20,000 crore for developing small modular reactors (SMRs).
  • Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010 provides legal backing for compensation in nuclear accidents.
  • CLNDA holds the operator strictly liable for nuclear damage, with capped liability of ₹1,500 crore.
  • Government covers excess claims up to ~₹2,300 crore, in line with the Convention on Supplementary Compensation (CSC).
• 2025-05-19 [Polity & Governance] — Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act Amendments
  The government may allow private operators to limit their liability under the nuclear liability laws and is trying to bring some amendments to the regulatory framework of the atomic energy of the country. The regulatory framework of the atomic energy in the country is governed by two basic laws the civil liability for nuclear damage act of 2010 and before that the atomic energy act of 1962. The government is having a target of 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047, and in the 2025-26 budget, the government has allocated 20,000 crores for the development of small or modular reactors.
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  UPSC Angle: Amendments to Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act.

  Key Facts:

  • Target of 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047
  • Allocation of 20,000 crores in 2025-26 budget for development of small or modular reactors
  • Regulatory framework governed by Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010 and Atomic Energy Act of 1962

India's Nuclear Energy Expansion and Regulatory Milestones

Focus: Progress across different facets of India's nuclear energy roadmap, including indigenous reactor commissioning, international regulatory alignment, and new project initiations to reach capacity targets.

UPSC Value: This thread provides a comprehensive view of India's energy security strategy, the functional role of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), and the technical evolution of the domestic nuclear power sector.

4 news items in this theme:

• 2025-09-27 [Science & Technology] — India to commence 2.8 GW Mahi Banswara Nuclear Project
  India marked the start of the 2.8 GW Mahi Banswara Nuclear Project in Rajasthan.
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  UPSC Angle: India to commence 2.8 GW Mahi Banswara Nuclear Project.

  Key Facts:

  • Project: 2.8 GW Mahi Banswara Nuclear Project
  • Location: Rajasthan
• 2025-08-22 [Science & Technology] — Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) Advancements
  India's Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, with a capacity of 500 MWe, is at an advanced stage of commissioning. Fuel loading began in March 2024, and regulatory approvals for integrated commissioning were obtained in July 2024. First criticality is expected by March 2026, with full power generation by September 2026.
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  UPSC Angle: India's Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) in Kalpakkam is at commissioning stage.

  Key Facts:

  • The FBR is located in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
  • It has a capacity of 500 MWe.
  • The agency responsible is BHAVINI, under the Department of Atomic Energy.
  • Fuel loading began in March 2024.
  • First criticality is expected by March 2026.
• 2025-08-12 [International Relations] — India and US Regulators Discuss Nuclear Energy Cooperation
  India's Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) held a bilateral technical meeting with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) at NRC headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, on August 12, 2025. The meeting comes as India seeks to expand its nuclear power generation capacity to at least 100 GW by 2047, up from around 8 GW today. The countries discussed regulation of new and advanced reactors, and codes and standards for advanced reactor technologies.
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  UPSC Angle: India and US regulators discuss nuclear energy cooperation.

  Key Facts:

  • India's Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) met with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on August 12, 2025.
  • The meeting took place at NRC headquarters in Rockville, Maryland.
  • India aims to expand its nuclear power generation capacity to at least 100 GW by 2047.
  • India's current nuclear power generation capacity is around 8 GW.
• 2025-07-07 [Science & Technology] — Atomic Energy Regulatory Board Grants Licenses
  India's Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) granted operation licenses for two indigenously developed 700 MWe Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat. AERB was constituted in 1983 to ensure the safe use of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy. KAPS-3 and KAPS-4 are the first Indian-designed reactors of this scale.
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  UPSC Angle: AERB grants licenses for two indigenously developed PHWRs at KAPS.

  Key Facts:

  • AERB granted operation licenses to two 700 MW PHWRs at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat.
  • AERB was constituted on November 15, 1983.
  • The AERB headquarters is located in Mumbai.