TERI Report on India's Nuclear Energy Vision Context: This report, titled "Strategic Pathways for Deploying SMRs", states that to reach a nuclear energy capacity of 100 Gigawatts (GW) by the year 2047, India will require an investment of ₹23-25 lakh crore, comprehensive regulatory reforms, and the rapid adoption of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology. Key Features of the Report To increase nuclear energy capacity by the year 2047, India will require a massive amount of investment. The current nuclear energy infrastructure is primarily designed for large nuclear reactors; this infrastructure must be modified to introduce SMRs and to allow private sector participation. The report highlights financial risks, fuel security, shortage of skilled human resources, and public acceptance as major challenges. It recommends adopting a 'hybrid model' that includes both large-scale conventional nuclear reactors and SMRs. Current Status of Nuclear Energy in India India is currently operating 25 nuclear reactors. The total installed capacity is approximately 8.8 GW. This capacity is projected to rise to approximately 22 GW by the year 2032. India has set a target to reach a capacity of 100 GW by the year 2047. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) SMRs are modern and small-scale nuclear reactors built using factory-based 'modular technology'. India's Initiatives India is currently developing three indigenous SMR designs. A financial allocation of ₹20,000 crore has been made in the Union Budget for 2025-26 for SMR-related research and development activities. The target is to bring five indigenous SMRs into operation by the year 2033.
