Science_TechEconomy
News 2 of 35

India Aims 100 GW Nuclear Capacity by 2047 via Cost-Effective PHWRs, Fast Breeder Reactor Commissioned

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
13 Jul 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:100 GW by 2047$1,700 per kW (India)$2,200 per kW (South Korea)$5,500 per kW (France)$15,000 per kW (US)500 MW fast breeder reactor
Bodies:Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.India targets 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047, leveraging indigenously developed PHWRs (700 MW units) and a 500 MW fast breeder reactor being commissioned.

2.Indian nuclear plants cost $1,700/kW vs. $2,200 (S.Korea), $5,500 (France), and $15,000 (US), making India a potential low-cost exporter.

3.New entrants (public/private) allowed via enabling legislation; safety caution urged: new players must establish culture before scaling to avoid a Chernobyl-like backlash.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

India plans to reach 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 using indigenously developed PHWRs and fast breeder reactors, which are the cheapest globally at $1,700/kW. The article warns against importing expensive foreign designs, advocating self-reliance through domestic technology and cautious scaling to maintain safety.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Target Capacity100 GW by 2047
Current PHWR Unit Size700 MW (developed, 4+10 units under construction)
India's Plant Cost$1,700 per kW
South Korea Plant Cost$2,200 per kW
France Plant Cost$5,500 per kW
US Plant Cost$15,000 per kW
Fast Breeder Reactor500 MW commercial unit being commissioned
Nuclear Test Trigger1974 peaceful nuclear test (led to sanctions)
Civil Nuclear DealIndia-US deal signed in 2008
Key BodyAtomic Energy Commission (AEC)

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Target Capacity: 100 GW by 2047
  • ›Current PHWR Unit Size: 700 MW (developed, 4+10 units under construction)
  • ›Target this Data: 100 GW nuclear capacity target by 2047; Indian plant cost $1,700/kW; 500 MW fast breeder reactor being commissioned
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
  • ›Target this Legal Point: India-US civil nuclear deal (2008); NSG waiver permanently prohibits enrichment/reprocessing tech transfer

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which Indian body is primarily responsible for designing and developing India’s nuclear power plants?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding India’s nuclear power development:

1. India’s Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) use natural uranium as fuel.

2. The India-US civil nuclear deal of 2008 allowed the transfer of enrichment and reprocessing technology to India.

3. India has developed 700 MW nuclear power units indigenously.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the article, what is the cost per kW of nuclear power plants built in India?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary reason the article advises against importing nuclear power plants from Western suppliers?

All 15 MCQs ▸
You finished this topic
Explore Related Topics
Related Current Affairs
Economy Current Affairs

India Targets 100 GW Nuclear Capacity by 2047, 5 New Reactors This Decade for AI & Chip Demand

PM Modi announced a target of 100 GW nuclear power by 2047 and 5 new reactors this decade, driven by soaring electricity demand from AI, semiconductors, and data centres. The SHANTI Act and draft rules now enable private participation, with a focus on small modular reactors (SMRs) for faster deployment and grid flexibility.

Economy Current Affairs

Kudankulam Nuclear Reactor Costs Surge 55%: Impact on India's Nuclear Expansion Plans

Cost of four under-construction nuclear reactors at Kudankulam has risen by 55% to ₹1,38,330 crore, driven by Russia-Ukraine war. This poses a challenge to India's ambitious nuclear expansion plans and could increase electricity tariffs, especially as the government opens the sector to private participation.

Science & Tech Current Affairs

SHANTI Act Draft Rules Released: DAE Meets EDF for EPR Reactors, Targets 100 GWe Nuclear Capacity by 2047

India is opening its civil nuclear sector to private players under the SHANTI Act. DAE recently released draft rules for private participation and foreign reactor tech. A key meeting with French state-owned EDF discussed deploying EPR reactors and localising supply chains to meet the ambitious 100 GWe nuclear capacity target by 2047.

Science & Tech Current Affairs

SHANTI Act Draft Rules Released: India Opens Nuclear Sector to Private Firms, Targets 100 GW by 2047

India has released draft rules for the SHANTI Act, opening the civil nuclear sector to private companies for the first time. The U.S. nuclear industry is preparing submissions by September 4. This is a major step towards India's target of 100 GW nuclear power by 2047 and development of indigenous Small Modular Reactors.

Environment Current Affairs

India Crosses 300 GW Non-Fossil Capacity, Targets 500 GW by 2030; Solar Leads at 164.59 GW

India has crossed 300 GW non-fossil fuel capacity (300.50 GW as of July 31, 2026), accounting for over 54% of total installed capacity. Solar power leads at 164.59 GW. The country is on track for 500 GW by 2030. Key schemes like PM Surya Ghar have benefited 19 lakh households with zero electricity bills. This milestone is crucial for exams on energy transition, climate policy, and government schemes.

Infrastructure Current Affairs

First Vande Bharat Sleeper Maintenance Depot at Jodhpur; ₹167 Cr Phase Nears Completion, Capacity 3 Rakes

Indian Railways has established its first maintenance depot for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains at Jodhpur, crucial for large-scale induction of the sleeper variant. The ₹167 crore first phase is nearly complete, with capacity to maintain 3 rakes (24 coaches each) within 6 hours, supporting long-distance premium train services and boosting the Make in India initiative.

Economy Current Affairs

Madhepura Loco Factory: 30% of Alstom's Global Engineering from India, 90% Localisation Achieved

The Madhepura Electric Locomotive Joint Venture (MELPL) between Indian Railways and Alstom has become a flagship Make in India success. With 650 locomotives supplied and 90% localisation, it now contributes 30% of Alstom's global engineering work from India, showcasing FDI-driven technology transfer and skill development in the railway sector.

Science & Tech Current Affairs

Anil Kakodkar Advocates Thorium Fuel in PHWRs to Accelerate India's Nuclear Self-Reliance

Top nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar proposes introducing thorium fuel in India's indigenous PHWR fleet to expedite utilisation of abundant thorium reserves and achieve nuclear fuel self-reliance, addressing growing energy demands and global uranium supply constraints.

The right path for India’s nuclear…, Current Affairs for Exams