India to expand its nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047 through legislative and market reforms

The Central Electricity Authority has unveiled a strategic roadmap to increase India’s nuclear power capacity from 8.8 GW to 100 GW by 2047. The plan emphasizes the operationalization of the Shanti Act and the potential entry of up to 12 new companies to diversify a sector currently led by a single state entity.

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the statutory body responsible for technical coordination and supervision of India’s power sector, has finalized a comprehensive roadmap to scale nuclear energy capacity to 100 GW by 2047. According to official disclosures, the initiative marks a significant leap from the current 8.8 GW baseline and hinges on the successful implementation of the Shanti Act. This legislative framework is being refined to establish clear guidelines and procedures for increased private and public sector participation.

Currently dominated by a single state-run operator, the sector is expected to open to approximately 10 to 12 new entities to accelerate infrastructure deployment. This expansion is vital for India’s long-term energy security, as nuclear power provides a stable, carbon-free baseload capable of operating continuously for extended periods. The strategy prioritizes financial streamlining and policy execution to reduce costs, while addressing critical bottlenecks such as fuel security, land acquisition for project sites, and the development of a specialized workforce. Furthermore, the roadmap evaluates the integration of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a potential solution for clean energy, despite the global developmental status of the technology.

For investors and industrial stakeholders, this development signals a shift toward a more liberalized nuclear market. The transition from a monopoly to a multi-player environment presents massive opportunities for engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms, as well as specialized technology providers. Geographically, the identification of new sites will drive regional infrastructure development. As India pursues its 2047 net-zero objectives, the successful execution of this 100 GW target will be essential to balancing the intermittency of renewable sources and ensuring a resilient national grid.