Datanomics: India's nuclear energy ambitions need a capacity push

India's nuclear ambitions hinge on accelerating capacity growth to meet its 100-GW target by 2047, even as policy reforms gather pace and global peers stay far ahead

The World Nuclear Energy Day on December 2 is a reminder of India’s steady but slow progress in the nuclear sector. Installed capacity rose from 5.7 Gw in FY15 to 8.2 Gw in FY24 with a compound annual growth rate 

 

of 4 per cent. However, India’s long-term ambition is 100 Gw by 2047 and requires a 12 per cent CAGR. Policy momentum is building, with the Atomic Energy Bill 2025 tabled in Parliament to enable private investment. 

 

India’s share of nuclear power remains minimal

 

India’s nuclear energy share in total installed capacity remains limited, fluctuating between 1.9 per cent and 2.9 per cent from FY10 to FY24.

 

Public control stronger in energy mix

 

Thermal power continues to dominate India’s total installed capacity, followed by renewable energy sources and hydropower. The public sector maintains a larger share of installed capacity generation.

 

Countries leading in nuclear capacity in 2024

 

The US, France, and China account for the highest shares of global nuclear capacity generation. India is at 9th position

 

Five major civil nuclear agreements in last 25 years