India pushes for nuclear power expansion, urges states to set up reactors

India pushes states to prepare for major nuclear expansion as part of net-zero emissions goal for 2070

India is stepping up its efforts to expand its nuclear power capacity as part of its broader strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and meet growing electricity demand. In a significant move, the Central government has urged states to set up nuclear reactors, particularly in areas where coal-based power plants are reaching the end of their operational life or where access to coal is limited.

On Tuesday, India’s Power Minister Manohar Lal chaired a conference of Power Ministers from states and union territories, where he emphasized the need for states distant from coal resources to consider establishing nuclear power plants. This initiative is designed to meet the country’s rapidly increasing energy needs while aligning with India’s commitment to clean and sustainable energy.

“States should consider setting up nuclear power plants at sites where coal-based thermal power plants have completed their life cycle,” the Minister said, as per a statement released by the government. This push comes on the back of a growing electricity demand, which is set to increase as India’s economy expands.

As part of its efforts to diversify its energy mix, the central government has also proposed collaborating with private investors to set up small-scale nuclear reactors. This proposal, outlined in the Union Budget, aims to meet the country’s future energy demands while furthering its clean energy goals.

India currently operates 24 nuclear reactors, all managed by the state-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), a public sector undertaking under the Department of Atomic Energy. These reactors contribute around 8 gigawatts (GW) to the national grid, but India has set ambitious targets to more than double this capacity to over 20 GW by 2032.

While India’s nuclear power ambitions are robust, foreign power plant builders have largely stayed away from constructing nuclear reactors in the country, citing concerns over strict regulations, particularly around compensation in the event of an accident or mishap. India has some of the world’s most stringent nuclear safety laws, which, while ensuring high safety standards, have made international partnerships less attractive.

In addition to nuclear power, India is investing heavily in renewable energy, with a goal of adding 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also committed to making India a net-zero carbon emitter by 2070, a goal that aligns with the country’s efforts to meet global climate commitments.

India is the only G20 nation to have achieved its climate goals ahead of schedule, a fact that underscores the country’s focus on sustainability and clean energy. The government’s latest push for nuclear power is seen as a critical step in achieving its long-term energy and environmental objectives.

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