India expects private nuclear capacity to reach 30 GW by 2047

India's Atomic Energy Commission chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty expects private companies to invest about 7.5 trillion rupees in nuclear power and contribute 30 GW of capacity by 2047.

Speaking to PTI, Mohanty linked that estimate to the national target of reaching 100 GW of nuclear capacity. He expects a few private operators to be running reactors in about five years. The figures are his expectations, rather than an announcement of signed investment agreements.

State-owned NPCIL currently operates 24 reactors with about 9 GW of capacity. Another 17 reactors, totalling roughly 13 GW, are at various stages of implementation. Mohanty estimated the cost of creating one megawatt of capacity at 250 million rupees.

The SHANTI Act, enacted in December 2025, opened the sector to broader private participation while retaining state control over sensitive activities. Nuclear projects typically take five to seven years to build. Companies are assessing technologies, fuel arrangements, land and potential partnerships.

Small modular reactors are another option being explored for energy-intensive industries, including steel and cement. Mohanty said their use would depend on reactor design, regulatory approvals and the commercial model.

India also continues its three-stage nuclear fuel programme. Plutonium-239 recovered from spent uranium fuel is intended for fast reactors, followed by wider use of thorium. Mohanty put India's share of global thorium reserves at 25%.

The prototype fast breeder reactor at Kalpakkam achieved first criticality in April 2026. Mohanty also highlighted international cooperation, noting peaceful civil nuclear agreements with 18 countries. Kudankulam, which uses Russian reactors, is an existing example.