NPCIL Chairman and Managing Director Shri B. C. Pathak has outlined India’s ambitious plan to expand its nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047, a sharp rise from the current 8,880 MW. He noted that the country aims to reach 22,000 MW by 2032, with NPCIL alone set to contribute nearly 54,000 MW by 2047. In an interview with NDTV, Shri Pathak highlighted key policy reforms under consideration—such as amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act—to enable greater private participation. NPCIL’s partnerships with PSUs like NTPC signal the beginning of broader industry involvement.
Emphasizing India’s commitment to clean energy, Shri Pathak discussed the newly announced “Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat,” under which NPCIL will lead efforts to support India’s net-zero goals. He highlighted major technological advancements, including progress on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), the Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR) being developed with BARC, and the expansion of Bharat Small Reactor (BSR) technology. A major focus area is the fleet-mode construction of 700 MW PHWRs, enabling the construction of 10 reactors at a time across sites such as Kaiga, Kakrapar, Narora, and Bhimpur, with additional locations under study.
Shri Pathak assured that India’s uranium supply is sufficient for upcoming expansions, supported by exploration of overseas mining opportunities. He underscored the cost-effectiveness of Indian reactors—averaging around ₹16 crore per MW—and the sector’s improving project timelines. Highlighting India’s strong nuclear safety record, he noted achievements such as a reactor operating continuously for 962 days. He concluded by reaffirming nuclear power as a critical pillar of India’s clean energy transition, helping avoid nearly 40 million tonnes of CO₂ annually while providing reliable base-load power for the nation’s growing energy needs.
Watch the complete interview here :
https://lnkd.in/gBFFjg9c
