India's Nuclear Sector Liberalization and Policy Evolution: UPSC Current Affairs Story Arc

Overview

This arc tracks the historic liberalization of India's civil nuclear energy sector. It begins with the ambitious 'Nuclear Energy Mission' targeting a 10-fold capacity increase, moving through the legislative dismantling of the state monopoly via the Atomic Energy Bill 2025. The narrative shifts from a purely government-run program to a collaborative model where private players provide capital and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) expertise. The final phase focuses on technological self-reliance, specifically the indigenous fabrication of Light Water Reactors (LWRs) to capture both domestic demand and the global export market.

How This Story Evolved

The Nuclear Energy Mission sets a 100 GW target (Item 5) → Government plans legislative amendments to allow private participation (Item 8) → The Atomic Energy Bill 2025 is introduced to formalize the sector's opening (Item 6) → The newly opened sector prioritizes the fabrication of indigenous Light Water Reactors for domestic and export markets (Seed).

1. 2025-03-04: India's Nuclear Energy Mission Aims for 100 GW by 2047
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India's Nuclear Energy Mission aims for 100 GW by 2047.

   Key Facts:

   • Target: 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047
   • Current installed nuclear energy capacity: 8180 MW as of January 30, 2025
   • Planned capacity by 2031-32: 22,480 MW
   • Focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
   • Aim to set up at least five SMRs by 2033
2. 2025-05-19: Nuclear Energy Sector
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   UPSC Angle: Amendments in laws governing the atomic energy sector expected.

   Key Facts:

   • Amendments in laws governing atomic energy sector expected in upcoming monsoon session
   • Nuclear capacity to increase from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32
   • Target of 100 GW nuclear energy by 2047
   • Electricity demand expected to increase 4-5 times by 2047
   • Target to reduce emission intensity of GDP by 44% by 2030 from 2005 level
   • Nuclear power capacity
   • 8,180 MW (current)
   • 22,480 MW (by 2031-32)
   • 100 GW (by 2047)
   • Electricity demand increase: 4-5 times by 2047
   • Emission intensity reduction: 44% by 2030 (from 2005 level)
   • 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030
   • 20,000 crores allocated in 2025-26 budget for small or modular reactors
3. 2025-11-30: India to Allow Private Sector Participation in Nuclear Energy
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   UPSC Angle: India to allow private sector in nuclear energy; Atomic Energy Bill.

   Key Facts:

   • Atomic Energy Bill, 2025: will be introduced in Parliament to expand nuclear capacity and attract private investment
   • India's Nuclear Capacity Target: Increase from 8.8 GW to 22 GW by 2032 and 100 GW by 2047
   • Current Nuclear Capacity: 8.18 GW
   • Nuclear Energy Mission: Launched in the Union Budget 2025-26
   • Nuclear Energy Mission Goal: Develop at least five indigenously designed SMRs by 2033
   • Budget Allocation for SMRs: ₹20,000 crore
   • Nuclear Energy Mission Target: 100 GW by 2047
   • Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs): 220 Megawatt electric [MW(e)] Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs)
   • BSR Setup: Private entities provide land, cooling water, and capital
   • NPCIL Role: Handles design, quality assurance, and operation and maintenance for BSRs
   • SMR Allocation: ₹20,000 crore for R&D
   • SMR Goal: Develop at least five indigenously designed and operational SMRs by 2033
4. 2026-01-22: India Flags Indigenous Light Water Reactor (LWR) as Nuclear Priority
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India flags indigenous Light Water Reactor (LWR) as nuclear priority.

   Key Facts:

   • Light Water Reactors account for over 85% of the civil nuclear reactor capacity in the world.
   • India is fast-tracking fabrication of indigenous Light Water Reactors (LWR).
   • LWRs account for over 85% of the global civil nuclear reactor capacity.
   • LWRs use ordinary water as a coolant and neutron moderator.
5. 2026-02-12: India's Nuclear Energy Strategy Focuses on Thorium
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India's nuclear energy strategy focuses on Thorium.

   Key Facts:

   • NTPC Ltd and Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE) exploring thorium-based ANEEL fuel
   • India aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047
   • Nuclear energy accounts for roughly 3% of India's total electricity generation
   • Thorium-based blends offer higher burn-up potential and improved neutron economy
6. 2026-02-17: India Advances Digital Agriculture Mission
   More details

   UPSC Angle: Digital Agriculture Mission: 84.8 million farmer IDs generated.

   Key Facts:

   • 84.8 million farmer IDs generated as of February 4, 2026
   • AI-powered systems provide real-time advisories for pest detection
   • AI-powered systems answer farmer queries in multiple languages
   • Target to issue over 100 million farmer IDs by 2026-2027 fiscal year
7. 2026-02-17: SHANTI Act Modernizes India's Nuclear Energy Governance
   More details

   UPSC Angle: SHANTI Act 2025 modernizes India's nuclear energy governance.

   Key Facts:

   • SHANTI Act 2025 came into force on December 20, 2025
   • Customs duty exemptions on imports for nuclear power plants until 2035
   • India's nuclear energy capacity is 8.78 GW as of 2024–25
   • The Act delegates the qualification, training, and recognition of personnel for nuclear facilities, including SMRs, to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)

Genesis

Trigger

The launch of the 'Nuclear Energy Mission' in the Union Budget 2025-26 (announced March 2025) which set the 100 GW target by 2047.

Why Now

India faces a dual pressure: a projected 4-5 times increase in electricity demand by 2047 and a commitment to reduce emission intensity by 44% by 2030. The existing state-funded model lacked the capital and speed to meet these targets alone.

Historical Context

Since the Industrial Policy Resolution of 1948 and the Atomic Energy Act of 1962, nuclear energy was an 'Exclusive State Monopoly'. Previous shifts only allowed JVs between PSUs (like the NPCIL-NTPC 'ASHVINI' venture), but never full private participation.

Key Turning Points

1. [2025-05-19] Government signals intent to amend atomic energy laws

   It was the first official confirmation that the legal 'monopoly' barrier of the 1962 Act was being reconsidered.

   Before: Nuclear energy was a closed sovereign function. After: It became an investment-seeking infrastructure sector.

2. [2025-11-30] Introduction of the Atomic Energy Bill 2025

   Formal legislative action to allow private capital and workforce into civil nuclear power.

   Before: Private participation was limited to component supply. After: Private players can operate as full-fledged developers.

Key Actors and Institutions

Key Institutions

• Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
• Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)
• Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Key Concepts

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

Advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit, which are smaller and can be factory-constructed and transported to a site.

Current Fact: India aims to set up at least five indigenously designed SMRs by 2033 as part of the Nuclear Energy Mission.

Light Water Reactor (LWR)

A type of thermal-neutron reactor that uses ordinary water as both its coolant and neutron moderator; it is the most common type of civil nuclear reactor globally.

Current Fact: LWRs currently account for over 85% of the civil nuclear reactor capacity in the world and are now a top priority for India's indigenous fabrication.

Atomic Energy Bill 2025

Legislative amendment designed to end the state monopoly by allowing private sector participation in nuclear power generation.

Current Fact: Introduced in the Winter Session of 2025 to formalize private sector entry and attract capital/EPC capabilities.

What Happens Next

Current Status

As of January 22, 2026, the focus has shifted to the 'fabrication' stage, with the nuclear establishment fast-tracking indigenous Light Water Reactors (LWRs) to serve the newly opened private market.

Likely Next

Issuance of first licenses to private entities for SMR (Small Modular Reactor) construction; international tenders for indigenous LWR components.

Wildcards

Global supply chain disruptions for nuclear fuel; public protests over new private-sector reactor sites; potential legal challenges to the liability clauses in the 2025 Bill.

Why UPSC Cares

Syllabus Topics

• Infrastructure: Energy
• Changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth
• Science and Technology- developments and their applications

Essay Angles

• Nuclear Energy: The missing link in India's Net Zero journey?
• Liberalization 2.0: Breaking the final monopolies.

Prelims Likely: Yes

Mains Likely: Yes

Trend Signal: rising

Exam Intelligence

Previous Year Question Connections

• Identified 'ASHVINI' as the JV between NPCIL and NTPC. — ASHVINI represented the 'bridge' phase (PSU-PSU JVs) before the 2025 Bill opened the door to full private players.
• Why some reactors are under IAEA safeguards and others are not. — With private participation and LWR fabrication for export, the classification of reactors under IAEA safeguards (imported vs. indigenous/civil vs. military) will become a critical regulatory issue.

Prelims Angles

• Target capacity: 22,480 MW by 2031-32 and 100 GW by 2047.
• Definition of LWRs: Uses ordinary water as coolant AND moderator (unlike PHWRs which use heavy water).
• The specific year for SMR targets: At least five units by 2033.
• Legislative basis: The 2025 Bill amends the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.

Mains Preparation

Sample Question: Examine the socio-economic and strategic implications of opening India’s civil nuclear sector to private participation. How does the shift towards indigenous Light Water Reactors (LWRs) align with India’s 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' goals?

Answer Structure: Intro: Context of Nuclear Energy Mission 2025 and 100 GW target. Body 1: Economic benefits (private capital, EPC efficiency, meeting 4-5x demand growth). Body 2: Strategic/Technical shift (SMRs and LWR fabrication for domestic/export). Critical Analysis: Risks (safety, liability, fuel supply, regulatory oversight). Way Forward: Strengthening the AERB and ensuring strict IAEA compliance.

Essay Topic: Energy Security as the Bedrock of Viksit Bharat 2047: The Role of Nuclear Liberalization.

Textbook Connections

Key Takeaway

India is pivoting from a state-controlled, slow-growth nuclear model to a high-speed, private-inclusive strategy centered on indigenous Light Water Reactors and SMRs to meet its 2047 net-zero and energy security goals.

All Events in This Story (7 items)

1. 2025-03-04 [Science & Technology] — India's Nuclear Energy Mission Aims for 100 GW by 2047
   India's Nuclear Energy Mission aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, aligning with its energy transition strategy. The government plans to increase nuclear capacity to 22,480 MW by 2031-32. The mission includes research and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and setting up at least five SMRs by 2033.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India's Nuclear Energy Mission aims for 100 GW by 2047.

   Key Facts:

   • Target: 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047
   • Current installed nuclear energy capacity: 8180 MW as of January 30, 2025
   • Planned capacity by 2031-32: 22,480 MW
   • Focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
   • Aim to set up at least five SMRs by 2033
2. 2025-05-19 [Economy] — Nuclear Energy Sector
   The government is expected to introduce amendments in laws governing the atomic energy sector during the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament, potentially allowing private operators in the nuclear energy sector. India aims to increase its nuclear power capacity from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32 and 100 GW by 2047 to meet the growing electricity demand and reduce emissions.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: Amendments in laws governing the atomic energy sector expected.

   Key Facts:

   • Amendments in laws governing atomic energy sector expected in upcoming monsoon session
   • Nuclear capacity to increase from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32
   • Target of 100 GW nuclear energy by 2047
   • Electricity demand expected to increase 4-5 times by 2047
   • Target to reduce emission intensity of GDP by 44% by 2030 from 2005 level
   • Nuclear power capacity
   • 8,180 MW (current)
   • 22,480 MW (by 2031-32)
   • 100 GW (by 2047)
   • Electricity demand increase: 4-5 times by 2047
   • Emission intensity reduction: 44% by 2030 (from 2005 level)
   • 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030
   • 20,000 crores allocated in 2025-26 budget for small or modular reactors
3. 2025-11-30 [Economy] — India to Allow Private Sector Participation in Nuclear Energy
   The Prime Minister of India has announced plans to open the civil nuclear power sector to private companies, with the Atomic Energy Bill, 2025, expected to be introduced in the winter session of Parliament to expand nuclear capacity and attract private investment. India aims to increase its nuclear power capacity from 8.8 GW to 22 GW by 2032 and 100 GW by 2047. Private players can provide the capital, skilled workforce, and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) capabilities to make large-scale expansion feasible.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India to allow private sector in nuclear energy; Atomic Energy Bill.

   Key Facts:

   • Atomic Energy Bill, 2025: will be introduced in Parliament to expand nuclear capacity and attract private investment
   • India's Nuclear Capacity Target: Increase from 8.8 GW to 22 GW by 2032 and 100 GW by 2047
   • Current Nuclear Capacity: 8.18 GW
   • Nuclear Energy Mission: Launched in the Union Budget 2025-26
   • Nuclear Energy Mission Goal: Develop at least five indigenously designed SMRs by 2033
   • Budget Allocation for SMRs: ₹20,000 crore
   • Nuclear Energy Mission Target: 100 GW by 2047
   • Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs): 220 Megawatt electric [MW(e)] Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs)
   • BSR Setup: Private entities provide land, cooling water, and capital
   • NPCIL Role: Handles design, quality assurance, and operation and maintenance for BSRs
   • SMR Allocation: ₹20,000 crore for R&D
   • SMR Goal: Develop at least five indigenously designed and operational SMRs by 2033
4. 2026-01-22 [Science & Technology] — India Flags Indigenous Light Water Reactor (LWR) as Nuclear Priority
   As India opens its nuclear power sector to private players and explores export opportunities, the nuclear establishment has stressed the need to fast-track the fabrication of indigenous Light Water Reactors (LWR). Light Water Reactors form a mainstay of the global nuclear program, currently accounting for over 85% of the civil nuclear reactor capacity in the world. They use ordinary (light) water as both a coolant and a neutron moderator.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India flags indigenous Light Water Reactor (LWR) as nuclear priority.

   Key Facts:

   • Light Water Reactors account for over 85% of the civil nuclear reactor capacity in the world.
   • India is fast-tracking fabrication of indigenous Light Water Reactors (LWR).
   • LWRs account for over 85% of the global civil nuclear reactor capacity.
   • LWRs use ordinary water as a coolant and neutron moderator.
5. 2026-02-12 [Science & Technology] — India's Nuclear Energy Strategy Focuses on Thorium
   The Department of Atomic Energy stated that NTPC Ltd and Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE) are exploring the development and deployment of thorium-based ANEEL fuel for PHWRs. This strategy leverages India's vast thorium deposits for fuel diversification, enhances fuel efficiency, and ensures compatibility with the existing fleet of PHWRs. India aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India's nuclear energy strategy focuses on Thorium.

   Key Facts:

   • NTPC Ltd and Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE) exploring thorium-based ANEEL fuel
   • India aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047
   • Nuclear energy accounts for roughly 3% of India's total electricity generation
   • Thorium-based blends offer higher burn-up potential and improved neutron economy
6. 2026-02-17 [Schemes & Programs] — India Advances Digital Agriculture Mission
   India's Digital Agriculture Mission is progressing well, with over 84.8 million farmer IDs generated as of February 4, 2026, to streamline access to agricultural inputs and benefits. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare disclosed that AI-powered systems are providing real-time advisories for pest detection and answering farmer queries in multiple languages. The mission aims to double farmers' income and enhance food security.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: Digital Agriculture Mission: 84.8 million farmer IDs generated.

   Key Facts:

   • 84.8 million farmer IDs generated as of February 4, 2026
   • AI-powered systems provide real-time advisories for pest detection
   • AI-powered systems answer farmer queries in multiple languages
   • Target to issue over 100 million farmer IDs by 2026-2027 fiscal year
7. 2026-02-17 [Polity & Governance] — SHANTI Act Modernizes India's Nuclear Energy Governance
   The SHANTI Act 2025, aimed at modernizing India's nuclear legal framework, has come into force, with President Droupadi Murmu granting assent on December 20, 2025. The 2026–27 budget announcement of customs duty exemptions on imports of input materials for nuclear power plants until 2035 supports the SHANTI Act. The act is expected to enable technological innovation and private participation in the nuclear energy sector.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: SHANTI Act 2025 modernizes India's nuclear energy governance.

   Key Facts:

   • SHANTI Act 2025 came into force on December 20, 2025
   • Customs duty exemptions on imports for nuclear power plants until 2035
   • India's nuclear energy capacity is 8.78 GW as of 2024–25
   • The Act delegates the qualification, training, and recognition of personnel for nuclear facilities, including SMRs, to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)