₹25 lakh crore investment required to achieve 100 GW nuclear target: TERI Report

Why in the News ?

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) recently released a report, "India's Nuclear Energy Vision: Strategic Pathways for SMR Deployment," stating that India will need an investment of ₹23-25 ​​lakh crore, extensive regulatory reforms, and the rapid adoption of small modular reactor (SMR) technology to achieve 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity by 2047.

Key Points of the Report

• India will need massive investment to increase nuclear power capacity by 2047.
• The current nuclear infrastructure is primarily designed for large reactors and will need to be transformed to accommodate SMRs and private sector participation.
• The report cites financial risk, fuel security, a shortage of skilled human resources, and public acceptance as key challenges.
• It recommends adopting a hybrid model of large conventional reactors and SMRs.

Current Status of Nuclear Energy in India

• India currently operates 25 nuclear reactors.
• The total installed capacity is approximately 8.8 GW.
• This capacity is projected to increase to approximately 22 GW by 2032.
• India aims to reach 100 GW by 2047.

What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) ?

• SMRs are modern, small-sized nuclear reactors built using factory-based modular technology.

Characteristics of SMRs

• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are modern reactors with lower costs and faster construction speeds than conventional nuclear reactors. They can be easily installed in small grids and remote areas.
• SMRs are also considered useful for green hydrogen production and meeting industrial energy needs. Furthermore, due to their phased investment, the financial risk of projects is relatively low.

India's Initiatives

• India is developing three indigenous SMR designs.
• The Union Budget 2025-26 allocated ₹20,000 crore for SMR research and development.
• The target is to commission five indigenous SMRs by 2033.

Key Challenges

• India's nuclear power expansion faces several major challenges. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) will require a separate licensing regime and modern safety standards, which necessitate regulatory reforms.
• Furthermore, fuel security remains a major challenge due to India's limited domestic uranium production, leaving the country dependent on imports. Ensuring significant investment and private sector participation in nuclear projects will also be difficult.
• Furthermore, it is essential to increase public confidence and acceptance of nuclear power projects.

Conclusion

• Nuclear energy can become an important pillar of India's clean, stable, and long-term energy security strategy. It will play a major role in meeting growing energy demand, reducing carbon emissions, and achieving the net-zero target by 2070.
• To achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, India will need to focus on large investments, advanced technological innovation, strong regulatory reforms, fuel security, and private sector participation. Additionally, a new strategy based on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) can help increase flexibility and efficiency in the energy sector. If the government, industry, and scientific institutions work in coordination, nuclear energy can strengthen India's 'Developed India 2047' vision.