India Expands Nuclear Power: 10 Reactors Under Construction, 8,000 MW Capacity in Pipeline

India is accelerating its nuclear energy expansion with 10 reactors under construction totaling 8,000 MW, backed by the landmark SHANTI Act (2025) and a long-term mission to achieve 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047. This positions India as a global leader in clean, reliable, and advanced nuclear technologies.

Moreover, the Government has already announced measures for enabling R&D in SMRs (Small Modular Reactors) and new advanced technologies. Towards the expansion of Fast Breeder Reactors, Government of India has approved the pre-project activities of 2 x 500 MW FBR 1 & 2 at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.

Current Nuclear Projects (2026)

• Three reactors (2,100 MW) began commercial operations in 2023–24.
• Ten reactors (8,000 MW) are under construction across five states:

State	Location	Project	Capacity (MW)
Gujarat	Kakrapar	KAPP-3 & 4	2 × 700
Rajasthan	Rawatbhata	RAPP-7 & 8	2 × 700
Tamil Nadu	Kudankulam	KKNPP-3 & 4	2 × 1000
	Kudankulam	KKNPP-5 & 6	2 × 1000
	Kalpakkam	PFBR-1	1 × 500
Karnataka	Kaiga	Kaiga-5 & 6	2 × 700
Haryana	Gorakhpur	GHAVP-1 & 2	2 × 700

Policy & Legislative Framework

• SHANTI Act 2025: Modernizes India’s nuclear laws, allows limited private participation, and strengthens regulation via statutory recognition of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).
• Nuclear Energy Mission (2025–26): Allocated ₹20,000 crore for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), aiming for at least five indigenous SMRs operational by 2033.

Technological Milestones

• Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam achieved first criticality in April 2026, marking India’s entry into Stage 2 of its Three-Stage Nuclear Programme.
• Stage 1: Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).
• Stage 2: Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs).
• Stage 3: Thorium-based reactors leveraging India’s vast thorium reserves.

Global Significance

• India is now only the second country after Russia to operate a commercial fast breeder reactor.
• Nuclear power contributes ~3% of India’s electricity mix, with installed capacity at 8.78 GW (2025). Planned expansion will raise this to 22.38 GW by 2031–32.
• By 2047, India targets 100 GW nuclear capacity, aligning with its net-zero emissions goal by 2070.

Engagement & Innovation

• Private sector participation: Enabled under SHANTI Act, fostering collaboration with industries and research institutions.
• SMRs for diverse applications: Including hydrogen generation, repurposing fossil-fuel plants, and powering remote regions.
• Human resource development: Training programs at BARC and fellowship schemes ensure a skilled workforce for nuclear innovation.

Conclusion

India’s nuclear journey reflects a dual strategy: scaling large reactors for base-load power while pioneering SMRs and thorium-based technologies for sustainable growth. With 10 reactors under construction, PFBR operational milestones, and the SHANTI Act opening doors to wider participation, India is positioning itself as a global leader in clean nuclear energy.