India Outlines Nuclear Buildout to 2032 as Indigenous 700 MW Unit Nears Operation

Overview

• Officials report nuclear power supplied about 3.1% of India’s electricity in 2024–25, with installed capacity at 8.78 GW excluding RAPS‑1.
• An indigenous 700 MW pressurised heavy water reactor at Rawatbhata has achieved criticality and is expected to begin commercial generation soon.
• Eighteen reactors totaling 13,600 MW are at various stages of implementation and are expected to be completed by 2031–32 within the broader 22.38 GW projection.
• The government proposes amending the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 to enable private sector participation, while foreign direct investment in atomic energy remains prohibited.
• Sixteen safeguarded reactors are fuelled by imported fuel; four 1,000 MW units with Russia are under construction, with discussions ongoing with US and French partners for Kovvada and Jaitapur.