**Executive Summary**
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed the Rajya Sabha on India's nuclear energy expansion plans, stating the nuclear capacity is set to triple by 2031-32. He assured that Kudankulam Units 3-6 are on track and safe, and the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project talks are progressing. India aims for 22 GW of nuclear capacity by 2032 and 100 GW by 2047, with duty exemptions on nuclear plant equipment imports up to 2035. The information was posted on 12 FEB 2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Nuclear Expansion and Capacity Targets:**
* India's nuclear energy program is in a decisive expansion phase, targeting 22.38 GW by 2031-32, 47 GW by 2037, 67 GW by 2042, and 100 GW by 2047.
* The nuclear capacity has more than doubled since 2014, rising from 4,780 MW to 8,780 MW.
* India is moving forward with self-reliance in nuclear energy, and geopolitical developments will not derail ongoing projects.
* **Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant:**
* Units 3 and 4 are targeted for completion by 2026–27, and Units 5 and 6 are scheduled by 2030.
* There is no reason to apprehend any disruption due to recent geopolitical developments.
* The Kudankulam project was conceived in 1988, with construction beginning in 2002, and the first unit operational in December 2014.
* Allegations regarding centralized storage of spent fuel at Kudankulam are scientifically unfounded, as each reactor manages its own specific fuel cycle.
* **Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project:**
* Discussions are ongoing for the proposed six 1600 MW reactors, with the technical agreement framework in place and commercial aspects under consideration.
* **Uranium Imports and Energy Security:**
* India has strengthened its energy security, and the expansion roadmap demonstrates that India is not solely dependent on external sources.
* Policy measures, including duty exemptions for nuclear plant equipment imports up to 2035, are aimed at accelerating domestic capability.
* **Power Allocation and CSR:**
* Distribution of electricity follows the Gadgil formula: 50% to the host state, 35% to neighboring states, and 15% to the central grid.
* ₹168 crore has been spent in the current financial year under CSR across projects, focusing on infrastructure, healthcare, education, and skill development for local communities.
* **Safety and Policy:**
* India's nuclear program operates on the principle of "Safety First, Production Next."
* The government has instituted clear timelines for nuclear expansion and is implementing them in a structured and disciplined manner.
**Impact Analysis**
**Host State**
* **Impact:** Receives 50% of the power generated from nuclear plants, contributing to balanced regional distribution.
* **Action Required:** Manage and distribute the allocated power effectively to meet the state's energy needs.
**Neighboring States**
* **Impact:** Receives 35% of the power generated from nuclear plants, contributing to their energy supply.
* **Action Required:** Coordinate with the central grid and host state to ensure a stable and reliable power supply.
**Central Government/Central Grid**
* **Impact:** Receives 15% of the power generated from nuclear plants for distribution across the national grid. Responsible for CSR initiatives through the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited.
* **Action Required:** Ensure efficient distribution of power across the national grid. Continue CSR initiatives focusing on community development.
**Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited**
* **Impact:** Responsible for project development, implementation of safety standards, and CSR activities.
* **Action Required:** Continue to implement projects on schedule, adhering to safety standards and undertaking CSR activities for communities around nuclear facilities.
Key Entities Referenced
Dr. Jitendra Singh: Union Minister of State responsible for Atomic Energy and Space, who is leading the nuclear expansion initiative.
Rajya Sabha: The upper house of the Indian Parliament, where Dr. Jitendra Singh made the announcements regarding nuclear expansion.
Department of Atomic Energy: The nodal department overseeing India's nuclear power program.
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant: A nuclear power plant project in India which is under expansion and a key focus of the announcements.
Gadgil Formula: A formula used for power allocation from nuclear plants, with 50% allocated to the host state, 35% to neighboring states, and 15% to the central grid.
Department of Atomic Energy
In Rajya Sabha, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh
Affirms Fast-Track Nuclear Expansion; Capacity
Set to Triple by 2031–32
Dr. Jitendra Singh Assures Kudankulam Units 3–6 on Track,
Safe from Geopolitical Shifts; No Delay or Cost Escalation
Expected
Dr. Jitendra Singh informed RS: Jaitapur Nuclear Power
Project Talks Progressing; 6x1600 MW Framework Ready,
Commercial Issues Under Discussion
“India Not Solely Dependent on External Uranium; Nuclear
Capacity Doubled Since 2014, Targets 22 GW by 2032 and
100 GW by 2047 with Duty Exemptions Till 2035”
Dr. Jitendra Singh Clarifies 50% Power to Host State Under
Gadgil Formula; ‘Safety First, Production Next’ Doctrine and
Balanced Nuclear Allocation Policy Reiterated
Posted On: 12 FEB 2026 4:30PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO,
Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, today asserted in
the Rajya Sabha that India’s nuclear energy programme is in a decisive expansion phase, backed by policy
reforms, private sector participation and clearly defined capacity targets extending up to 2047.
The Minister said India’s installed nuclear capacity, which stood at 4,780 MW in 2014, has risen to 8,780
MW and is projected to reach 22,380 MW by 2031–32, 47 GW by 2037, 67 GW by 2042 and 100 GW by
2047. He affirmed that India is moving forward with self-reliance and confidence, and that geopolitical
developments will not derail ongoing nuclear projects.
Replying to supplementaries raised by R. Girirajan, Jairam Ramesh, Ram Gopal Yadav and M.
Thambidurai, the Minister addressed concerns relating to timelines, international negotiations, fuel
security, CSR initiatives, and power-sharing arrangements.
Responding to questions on the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, Dr. Jitendra Singh said Units 3 and 4
are targeted for completion by 2026–27, while Units 5 and 6 are scheduled by 2030. He stated that there is
no reason to apprehend any disruption due to recent geopolitical developments, including shifts in India–
US relations.Tracing the project’s history, he said the Kudankulam project was conceived in 1988, construction began
in 2002, and the first unit became operational in December 2014 after the present government assumed
office. The subsequent operationalisation of the first two units within the last decade reflects a clear
implementation framework and disciplined adherence to timelines.
On a query regarding Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives within the 16-kilometre emergency
planning zone, the Minister said that the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited undertakes CSR and
Rehabilitation & Resettlement (R&R) activities for communities around all nuclear facilities.
He informed the House that significant allocations have been made under CSR, with ₹168 crore spent in
the current financial year across projects. Specific figures for Kudankulam over the last four years would
be furnished separately. He added that such initiatives focus on infrastructure, healthcare, education and
skill development for local communities.
Addressing a question on negotiations concerning the proposed six 1600 MW reactors at Jaitapur Nuclear
Power Project, Dr Jitendra Singh said that discussions have been ongoing and that while the technical
agreement framework is in place, certain commercial aspects remain under consideration. He indicated
that the matter is being pursued in coordination with relevant ministries, keeping national interest
paramount.
On concerns regarding uranium imports and possible supply disruptions in a volatile global environment,
Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that India has strengthened its energy security significantly over the last decade.
He said nuclear capacity has more than doubled since 2014 and that policy measures, including recent
enabling provisions and duty exemptions for nuclear plant equipment imports up to 2035, are aimed at
accelerating domestic capability. He said the expansion roadmap demonstrates that India is not dependent
solely on external sources and is steadily enhancing indigenous potential.
Responding to questions on power allocation, the Minister said distribution of electricity generated from
nuclear plants follows the long-standing Gadgil formula, under which 50% of power is retained by the
host state, 35% is allocated to neighbouring states and 15% goes to the central grid. This mechanism
ensures balanced regional distribution.
On safety concerns and past apprehensions in the Kudankulam region, the Minister reiterated that India’s
nuclear programme operates on the principle of “Safety First, Production Next.” He clarified that
allegations regarding centralized storage of spent fuel at Kudankulam were scientifically unfounded, as
each reactor manages its own specific fuel cycle.
Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded that the government has instituted clear timelines for nuclear expansion and
is implementing them in a structured and disciplined manner, positioning nuclear energy as a key pillar of
India’s long-term energy transition strategy.*****
NKR/AK
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