India Advances Clean Energy Goals with Five Small Modular Nuclear Reactors by 2033

India Establishes Ambitious Target to Deploy Five Small Modular Nuclear Reactors by 2033

India's Minister of Atomic Energy, Dr. Jitendra Singh, has announced an ambitious roadmap for the nation's nuclear energy development, setting a target to construct five Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) domestically before 2033.

According to information disclosed in a written response to legislators as reported by local media, these five SMRs will form a crucial component in India's broader strategy to accelerate nuclear power capacity installation over the next two decades. This initiative represents a significant step in India's pursuit of clean energy independence and technological advancement.

SMR Technology Development at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre

The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) - India's premier nuclear research facility under the Atomic Energy Department - is currently developing three distinct reactor technologies:

• Bharat Small Modular Reactor with a capacity of 220 MW
• A smaller reactor with a capacity of 55 MW
• A high-temperature gas-cooled reactor designed specifically for hydrogen production

The development of these diverse reactor technologies demonstrates India's commitment to diversifying its nuclear energy portfolio and applying advanced technologies for various industrial applications beyond electricity generation.

Strategic Expansion of Nuclear Power Capacity

According to India's nuclear energy roadmap, the country aims to increase its installed nuclear power capacity from the current 8.78 gigawatts (GW) to approximately 22 GW by the financial year 2031-2032. The long-term vision is even more ambitious, targeting a capacity expansion to 100 GW by 2047.

To achieve these objectives, a committee established by India's Ministry of Power estimated in last year's "Pathway to 100 GW" report that the nation would require a cumulative investment of 19.28 lakh crore Indian rupees (equivalent to $200 billion at current exchange rates).

The Atomic Energy Bill and Private Sector Participation

In late 2025, the Indian government approved a landmark Atomic Energy Bill, marking the first time private companies will be permitted to invest in the country's nuclear energy sector. This legislation forms part of a comprehensive strategy to increase nuclear power capacity tenfold within the next two decades.

The legislation, named SHANTI (Sustainable Harnessing of Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India), has the potential to attract substantial private sector investments into India's nuclear energy landscape, bringing in new capital, technological expertise, and operational efficiencies.

Role of NTPC in the Nuclear Energy Sector

While private companies are expected to participate in the nuclear energy sector, the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd - India's largest power generation utility - is projected to account for 30% of the new nuclear power capacity installed by 2047.

Currently, NTPC is the sole nuclear power generator in India and is actively seeking to acquire stakes in uranium assets globally to secure fuel for the anticipated expansion of the country's nuclear energy sector. This strategic move aims to ensure fuel security as the nuclear capacity scales up significantly.

Overall Vision and Future Prospects

India's nuclear energy development reflects the nation's long-term strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while meeting growing energy demands. The integration of SMR technology with larger-scale reactors provides flexibility in deploying nuclear power across regions with varying energy requirements.

Industry experts suggest that with support from both public and private sectors, coupled with advancements in nuclear technology, India is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious nuclear energy targets. This expansion will contribute significantly to the nation's energy security and carbon reduction objectives.

Information compiled from: Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com