India's Nuclear Journey: Vision and Transformation

India's nuclear program, initiated by Homi Bhabha in the 1950s, aimed for energy independence through pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs), fast breeder reactors (FBRs), and thorium-based systems. Despite the early promise, progress was slow due to sanctions, limited uranium reserves, technological challenges, and policy constraints. Currently, nuclear power constitutes 8.8 GW of India's 466 GW power capacity.

US-India Civilian Nuclear Agreement

• Signed in 2005 by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and US President George Bush.
• Faced opposition from the Left, leading to political turmoil.
• Marked a critical moment in India’s nuclear trajectory.

Current and Future Goals

• India aims to scale nuclear power to 100 GW by 2047, supporting its net-zero emissions goal for 2070.
• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Factory-built units under 300 MW. The 2025–26 Budget allocated ₹20,000 crore for R&D to commission five SMRs by 2033.
• SMRs are expected to contribute 41 GW to the 100 GW target.
• The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) operates 25 reactors, with plans to add 50 GW by 2047.
• Planned use of Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs), with a 500 MW prototype at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.

Private Sector Involvement

• Private partnerships anticipated to contribute nearly 50% of the nuclear target.
• Companies like Tata, Adani, Reliance, and Larsen & Toubro are investing in nuclear divisions.
• Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act are proposed to ease private sector involvement and cap liability.
• Foreign Direct Investment up to 49% is considered.

Incentives and Support

• Viability gap funding and long-term power purchase agreements to mitigate high costs.
• Sovereign guarantees and green energy classification to reduce investment risks.
• Ensuring uranium supply through domestic and international sources.
• Fast-tracking site approvals and brownfield investments.

India's nuclear revival is transitioning from vision to a policy-backed mission, with increasing momentum and private sector inclusion.