Introduction
To secure round-the-clock baseload zero-carbon power for Viksit Bharat 2047, the Government of India on 16 August 2026 outlined its comprehensive Nuclear Energy Roadmap aiming to scale national nuclear electric capacity to 100 GWe by 2047, underpinned by a ₹20,000 crore mission to operationalize at least five indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033.
Indigenous SMR Development & Private Sector Framework
The roadmap introduces crucial technological and statutory breakthroughs:
- BARC Indigenous SMRs: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is actively engineering the 220 MWe Bharat SMR and the compact 55 MWe SMR-55 for industrial captive power and hydrogen generation.
- SHANTI Act Legal Architecture: The proposed SHANTI Act (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Act) establishes the legal framework enabling domestic private sector joint ventures and up to 49% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
- Repurposing Decommissioned Coal Plants: SMRs will be deployed at retired thermal power plant sites, leveraging existing grid connections and cooling infrastructure.
Key Facts
- Long-Term Nuclear Target: 100 GWe (Gigawatt electric) Nuclear Capacity by 2047
- SMR Mission Outlay: ₹20,000 Crore to deploy 5+ Small Modular Reactors by 2033
- Indigenous SMR Models: Bharat SMR (220 MWe) & SMR-55 (55 MWe) developed by BARC
- Enabling Legislation: SHANTI Act (Permits private equity & up to 49% FDI in nuclear ventures)
- Technology Transfer: BARC transferring SMR blueprints to domestic manufacturing consortia
Exam Perspective
For TNPSC and UPSC examinations, this topic covers Nuclear Power Policy, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), SHANTI Act, BARC/DAE Innovations, Clean Energy Transition, and Net Zero 2070 in GS Paper III.
Conclusion
The 100 GWe nuclear roadmap and SMR mission mark a pivotal shift in India's energy policy, accelerating industrial decarbonisation through modular, safe, and indigenous nuclear technology.