India’s Nuclear Power Generation Sees Strong Growth, Capacity Targets 22 GW by 20

India’s Nuclear Power Generation Sees Strong Growth, Capacity Targets 22 GW by 2032P

parliament informed of rising nuclear output, new reactor projects, SMRs, and long-term energy security under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav

By Home Academy

India’s nuclear power sector continues to show steady progress, reflecting the country’s long-term commitment to clean, reliable, and self-reliant energy. In a written reply to a Parliament question in the Lok Sabha, the Department of Atomic Energy shared key updates on nuclear power generation, ongoing projects, and future capacity expansion as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

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According to the data presented by PIB Delhi on 4 February 2026, nuclear power generation in India stood at 47,971 Million Units (MU) during 2023–24 and increased significantly to 56,681 MU in 2024–25. This rise highlights improved plant availability, better operational efficiency, and the addition of new nuclear capacity over the last two years.

Major nuclear projects are currently at various stages of development across the country. The Mahi Banswara Nuclear Power Project Units 1&2 and 3&4 are being implemented by ASHVINI, a joint venture of NPCIL and NTPC. Pre-project activities are in full swing, while projects like Kaiga Units 5&6 are nearing completion, indicating steady momentum in India’s nuclear construction programme.

A major milestone is being achieved at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, where BHAVINI is commissioning a 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR). This project is crucial for India’s three-stage nuclear power programme. The Government has already approved pre-project activities for Fast Breeder Reactor Units FBR 1&2 (2×500 MWe) at the same site. Once PFBR attains first criticality, financial sanction for the twin FBR units will be taken up, further strengthening India’s advanced nuclear capabilities.

In terms of capacity addition, the last two years have seen an increase of 2,100 MW, following the completion of Kakrapar Atomic Power Project Units 3&4 (2×700 MW) and Rajasthan Atomic Power Project Unit 7 (700 MW). With this addition, India’s installed nuclear capacity has reached 8,780 MW, excluding RAPS-1. The government has reaffirmed its target of achieving around 22 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2032, a key pillar of India’s clean energy transition.

To ensure timely completion of projects, constant monitoring is being carried out at multiple levels. Measures such as early identification of constraints, mid-course corrections, frequent coordination with vendors and contractors, and re-sequencing of construction activities are being actively implemented. Alongside project execution, NPCIL has focused strongly on operational excellence. Advanced predictive and preventive maintenance systems, health-based monitoring, and in-service inspections have enabled high plant availability. Notably, NPCIL reactors have achieved continuous operation of more than one year on 54 occasions, reflecting global best practices in nuclear operations.

Looking ahead, India is also stepping into the future with Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Two SMRs—BSMR-200 and SMR-55—are planned at the Tarapur, Maharashtra site. Additionally, Tarapur Atomic Power Station Units 1&2 (2×160 MW), which began operation in 1969 and are among the world’s oldest reactors, are undergoing refurbishment to extend their operational life and are expected to resume electricity generation soon.

This comprehensive update was shared by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Atomic Energy, Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. The information underlines India’s focused approach towards nuclear energy as a cornerstone of sustainable development, energy security, and climate commitments.

With rising generation, advanced reactor technologies, and ambitious future targets, India’s nuclear power programme is steadily positioning itself as a reliable backbone of the nation’s clean energy mix.