State-Led Nuclear Expansion in India: Fast-Tracking the 100GW Nuclear Capacity Goal by 2047
India is entering a critical phase in its clean energy transition, with nuclear power emerging as a key pillar in the strategy. In a significant development, Union Minister of Power Manohar Lal Khattar has urged state governments to evaluate the feasibility of establishing nuclear power plants within their jurisdictions. This decentralized approach signals a strategic shift aimed at accelerating progress toward the nation's energy security and decarbonization goals. With the current nuclear capacity at just 8,880 MW—far below the ambitious target of 100 GW by 2047—state-led participation could play a pivotal role in overcoming bottlenecks and expediting implementation. If this directive is taken seriously, India’s nuclear future could gain unprecedented momentum, making the nuclear target substantially easier to achieve.
The Imperative of State-Led Nuclear Expansion
Khattar’s directive envisions states collaborating with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) to identify sites for nuclear facilities. “Wherever there is a possibility of setting up a nuclear power plant, it should be considered,” he stated, underscoring the need for a decentralized approach. If adopted, this strategy would empower states to leverage local expertise, expedite approvals, and align nuclear projects with regional needs. India’s nuclear future depends on this shift: without broader state participation, the 100 GW target risks remaining a distant dream, leaving the nation tethered to coal and vulnerable to energy insecurity.
Why should states prioritize this? First, nuclear power offers unmatched reliability, delivering baseload energy with a 90%+ capacity factor, critical as India’s electricity demand is projected to cross 700 GW by 2047. Second, it’s a linchpin for India’s net-zero 2070 commitment, slashing carbon emissions while complementing renewables. Third, hosting nuclear plants positions states as economic and technological hubs, driving prosperity in a fiercely competitive global economy. For India to lead the clean energy race—potentially outpacing peers like China—states must act as catalysts, transforming nuclear ambition into reality.
Current Nuclear Landscape: A Snapshot
India’s nuclear infrastructure is concentrated in a handful of states, reflecting both achievement and limitation. Tamil Nadu hosts the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (2,000 MW, with expansion underway) and the Madras Atomic Power Station (440 MW). Gujarat operates the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (1,400 MW), while Rajasthan’s Rawatbhata facility generates 1,180 MW. Maharashtra’s Tarapur Atomic Power Station contributes 1,400 MW, Uttar Pradesh’s Narora adds 440 MW, and Karnataka’s Kaiga delivers 880 MW. Andhra Pradesh is poised to join with the proposed Kovvada plant. These states, powering India’s 8,880 MW nuclear output, showcase technical prowess but highlight the need for wider geographic and economic inclusion to scale capacity tenfold.
Transformative Potential of State Engagement
If states embrace nuclear development, the benefits could redefine India’s energy and socio-economic fabric:
Energy Resilience: Distributing plants across states—potentially in Odisha, West Bengal, or Jharkhand—would bolster grid stability, mitigating risks from localized disruptions like cyclones or fuel shortages.
Economic Dynamism: Nuclear projects are economic multipliers, creating thousands of jobs and spurring infrastructure like roads and schools, revitalizing underserved regions.
Technological Leadership: States hosting plants would nurture high-skill ecosystems, with training programs producing nuclear engineers and safety experts, positioning India as a global talent hub.
Public Health Gains: Shifting coal-heavy states to nuclear energy could significantly reduce air pollution—a public health crisis that, according to recent estimates, costs India heavily each year.
Beyond domestic gains, state-led expansion would cement India’s stature as a nuclear innovator, offering a scalable model for emerging economies navigating energy transitions.
Why States Must Act Now
India’s nuclear future calls for urgent action. With coal still making up 50% of the energy mix, the toll on public health and the environment is mounting—and our climate commitments are slipping out of reach. Nuclear power offers a powerful solution with its low lifecycle emissions and proven reliability, yet its expansion remains sluggish due to centralized hurdles. Empowering states to take the lead could be the game-changer: faster site approvals, stronger local support, and agile governance can help cut through the red tape. To build a cleaner, more resilient energy future, India must treat nuclear not as a long-term possibility—but as a near-term priority.
Moreover, states stand to gain disproportionate rewards. Nuclear plants elevate regional economies, attract global investment, and enhance energy autonomy, reducing reliance on volatile fuel imports. For states like Bihar or Madhya Pradesh, where industrial growth is stymied by power deficits, nuclear could be a game-changer, fueling factories and aspirations alike.
SMRs and BSRs: Powering Metropolitan and Industrial Cities
For states that have yet to venture into nuclear energy, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and the indigenous Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) present a strategically sound and flexible entry point. SMRs, with power outputs ranging from 50 to 300 MW, entail moderate capital investments of approximately $1–2 billion and can be deployed within relatively short construction timelines of 3 to 5 years. Their compact design makes them especially suitable for metropolitan centers and industrial hubs where space is limited and existing grid infrastructure may not support large-scale additions.
BSRs, tailored for India’s context, further strengthen the proposition by utilizing thorium—an abundant domestic resource. This not only enhances fuel efficiency but also reduces long-term radioactive waste and improves reactor safety profiles.
From a policy and investment perspective, SMRs and BSRs provide a low-risk, high-value opportunity for states to diversify their energy portfolios. They circumvent many of the logistical, financial, and political challenges associated with conventional large-scale nuclear plants. Moreover, their modular nature supports phased deployment, quicker integration into the power system, and better alignment with evolving urban and industrial demands.
Importantly, embracing these technologies allows states to progressively develop institutional expertise, build robust regulatory frameworks, and cultivate public trust—all essential components for long-term nuclear infrastructure growth. In doing so, states not only address their immediate clean energy needs but also establish a solid foundation for deeper participation in India’s expanding nuclear energy ecosystem.
The Path Forward
India’s 100 GW nuclear goal is a bold vision for a cleaner, stronger future. If states heed Mr. Khattar’s call, they have the opportunity to transform the nation into a nuclear powerhouse—one that seamlessly blends energy security, economic growth, and climate leadership. With innovations like SMRs and BSRs powering cities, states can lead the charge into a new era of sustainable energy. The stakes are high: any delay risks prolonged coal dependence and diminished influence in the global energy landscape. A crucial milestone in this journey will be the 6th India Nuclear Business Platform (INBP) 2025, scheduled for 14–15 October 2025 in Mumbai. This premier forum will bring together policymakers, global stakeholders, and business leaders to shape the future of nuclear energy in India. It offers an exceptional platform for foreign stakeholders—from technology providers to investors—to engage directly with India’s growing nuclear sector and forge partnerships aligned with its ambitious targets. With bold leadership and cutting-edge technologies, states can illuminate not only India’s nuclear future, but also contribute meaningfully to the world’s clean energy transition.
