India’s Nuclear Capacity Jumps From 4,780 MW to 8,180 MW

New Delhi: India’s nuclear sector has grown significantly over the last ten years from 4,780 MW in 2014 to 8,180 MW in 2024 and is poised to accelerate further after agreements signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France backed by a stepped-up allocation in the Union Budget.

To accelerate small modular nuclear (SMR) development, Rs20,000 crore has been allocated in the 2025-26 Union Budget, with the target of designing and operationalising at least five indige-nous SMRs by 2033. India and France have signed an agreement to work together on developing SMR reactors, which are the next big thing changing the way nuclear power is deployed.

PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron emphasised the importance of nuclear energy for strengthening energy security and transitioning towards a low-carbon economy. India and France have also teamed up for the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant which is set to be-come the world’s largest nuclear power station, generating as much as 10 GW of electricity.

Besides, PM Modi is expected to discuss potential nuclear investments by US firms during his current visit to Washington.

India has a huge thorium advantage to propel its nuclear energy ahead in the future. The country holds 21 per cent of the world’s thorium reserves, making it one of the most resource-rich nations for future nuclear energy development.

India is also playing a key role in the global push towards nuclear fusion, a revolutionary technol-ogy that could provide unlimited, clean energy without long-term radioactive waste.