**Summary:**
The Indian government, through the Department of Atomic Energy, is pursuing a multifaceted strategy to expand nuclear power capacity as a key component of its energy sector roadmap. This strategy involves both indigenous development and international collaboration. Currently, India has 24 Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) with a total capacity of 8780 MW. An additional 8 reactors are under construction, contributing 6600 MW, including indigenous 700 MW PHWRs (RAPP 8, GHAVP 12), the Indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR), PFBR, and Light Water Reactors (LWRs) with foreign cooperation (KKNPP 34, KKNPP 56). Furthermore, 10 sanctioned reactors are in the pre-project activities stage, expected to add 7000 MW, comprising PHWRs (Kaiga 56, GHAVP 34, Chutka 12, Mahi Banswara 12 and 34). With the completion of these projects, India's nuclear power capacity is projected to reach 22480 MW by 2031-32.
Future plans include the development of Indigenous Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) aligned with India's three-stage nuclear power program, optimized for utilizing uranium and thorium resources through a closed fuel cycle. The strategy also encompasses the deployment of Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) for decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries, the development of Bharat Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), including indigenous SMRs, and Indian LWRs. Enhanced international cooperation is envisioned for SMRs and fuel, alongside the export of reactors, services, and supplies. The government has launched a Nuclear Energy Mission with an outlay of Rs. 20,000 crore for research and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
This information was provided by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on July 23, 2025. (Release ID: 2147275)
Key Entities Referenced
Department of Atomic Energy: The Indian government department responsible for nuclear energy development.
Indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors PHWRs: A type of nuclear reactor indigenously developed in India, using heavy water as a moderator and coolant.
RAPP 8: Rajasthan Atomic Power Project Unit 8, an indigenous 700 MW PHWR under construction.
GHAVP 12: Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana Unit 1&2, an indigenous 700 MW PHWR under construction.
Indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor FBR PFBR: A type of nuclear reactor designed to breed more fuel than it consumes, utilizing fast neutrons. Located in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
KKNPP 34: Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Units 3&4, Light Water Reactors LWRs built with Russian cooperation.
Kaiga 56: Kaiga Generating Station Units 5&6, a PHWR under pre-project activities stage.
Nuclear Energy Mission: A government initiative with an outlay of Rs. 20,000 crore for research and development of Small Modular Reactors SMRs.
Department of Atomic Energy
PARLIAMENT QUESTION: ROADMAP FOR
INDIA'S ENERGY SECTOR THROUGH NUCLEAR
POWER
Posted On: 23 JUL 2025 3:38PM by PIB Delhi
The specific measures outlined to reach this goal involve a multi-faceted approach, leveraging both
indigenous development and international collaboration. Key strategies include the continued deployment of
Indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), building upon the 24 reactors with 8780 MW
capacity. There are also 8 reactors under construction contributing 6600 MW, which include indigenous 700
MW PHWRs like RAPP 8 and GHAVP 1&2, alongside the Indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) PFBR,
and Light Water Reactors (LWRs) with foreign cooperation such as KKNPP 3&4 and KKNPP 5&6.
Furthermore, 10 reactors are at the pre-project activities stage (sanctioned), set to add another 7000 MW,
encompassing PHWRs like Kaiga 5&6, GHAVP 3&4, Chutka 1&2, and Mahi Banswara 1&2 and 3&4.
With the progressive completion of these projects, the nuclear power capacity in India is projected to reach
22480 MW by 2031-32.
Future plans also emphasize the development of Indigenous Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs), which align with
India's unique three-stage nuclear power program designed for optimal utilization of its modest uranium and
abundant thorium resources through a closed fuel cycle. Additionally, the strategy includes the deployment of
Bharat Small Reactors (BSR) for decarbonisation of hard to abate industries, development of Bharat Small
Modular Reactors (SMRs), including indigenous SMRs of varying capacities, and Indian LWRs. Enhanced
international cooperation is also envisioned, particularly concerning SMRs and fuel, alongside the export of
reactors, services, and supplies.
The government has also launched a Nuclear Energy Mission with an outlay of Rs. 20,000 crore for research
and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science
and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of
Atomic Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
***
NKR/PSM
(Release ID: 2147275)