PARLIAMENT QUESTION: NUCLEAR POWER GENERATION

**Executive Summary** This document outlines India's nuclear power generation plans, focusing on imported fuel utilization and future capacity expansion. International cooperation agreements since 2008 have facilitated fuel imports, with detailed generation figures provided. A roadmap aims for 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047 through various initiatives, including private sector involvement facilitated by the SHANTI Act, 2025, enacted on December 21, 2025. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Fuel Import and Utilization:** * International cooperation agreements in 2008 enabled the import of fuel for reactors under IAEA Safeguards. * From 2008-09 to 2024-25, India imported 18,842.60 MTs of Uranium in various forms (Uranium Ore Concentrate, Natural UO2 pellets, Enriched UO2 pellets) for IAEA Safeguards reactors. * Year-wise generation by reactors using imported fuel is detailed in an annexure, with figures for 2009-10 through 2025-26 (up to January 2026). * **Future Capacity Expansion Roadmap:** * The government has a roadmap to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity. * The current capacity of 8.78 GW (excluding RAPS-1) is projected to increase to approximately 22 GW by 2031-32 through ongoing projects. * An additional 32 GW is planned beyond 2032 by NPCIL, involving indigenous PHWRs and LWRs with foreign cooperation, aiming for a total of 54 GW by 2047. * The remaining 46 GW is expected to be developed by other Public Sector Enterprises (Central & State), State Governments, the private sector, and Joint Ventures, utilizing diverse reactor technologies. * **Technological Advancement and Private Sector Participation:** * Discussions are underway with US technology partners for viable project proposals, with construction commencing after proposal finalization and government approval. * The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025, enacted on December 21, 2025, provides a legislative framework for private sector participation in research and innovation for peaceful nuclear energy applications under license and safety authorization. **Impact Analysis** **Key Stakeholders:** * **Department of Atomic Energy / Government of India** * **Impact:** Responsible for implementing the nuclear power roadmap, managing fuel imports, facilitating international cooperation, and overseeing regulatory frameworks. * **Action Required:** Continue ongoing discussions with US technology partners, finalize project proposals, secure government approval, implement the SHANTI Act, 2025, and monitor the progressive completion of projects to meet capacity targets. * **Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)** * **Impact:** Will be responsible for setting up 32 GW of nuclear power capacity beyond 2032, including indigenous PHWRs and LWRs with foreign cooperation. * **Action Required:** Plan and execute the development of new nuclear power projects as per the roadmap, including engaging in foreign cooperation for LWR technology. * **Other Public Sector Enterprises (Central & State), State Governments, Private Sector, and Joint Ventures** * **Impact:** Will contribute to the development of the remaining 46 GW of nuclear power capacity through various business models and reactor technologies. * **Action Required:** Explore opportunities and engage in developing nuclear power projects under the framework provided by the SHANTI Act, 2025, and relevant safety authorizations. * **Technology Partners (e.g., US Technology Partners)** * **Impact:** Involved in discussions for developing viable project proposals for future nuclear power projects. * **Action Required:** Continue collaborative discussions to finalize project proposals for the expansion of nuclear power capacity. * **International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)** * **Impact:** Oversees the safe use of imported nuclear fuel and ensures compliance with safeguards for reactors in India. * **Action Required:** Continue to monitor and ensure adherence to IAEA Safeguards for imported fuel and reactors.

Key Entities Referenced