100GW of nuclear power by 2047: Inside PM Modi's energy self-reliance plan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Saturday a significant expansion of India's nuclear power program, aiming to achieve 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear energy capacity by 2047. During his address from the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day, Modi highlighted the operationalization of five new nuclear reactors within the next six to seven years. The announcement underscores India's commitment to enhancing energy security and achieving self-reliance. Modi emphasized the importance of nuclear power in meeting the rising electricity demands driven by advancements in technologies such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and data centers. He also referenced recent nuclear policy reforms and the SHANTI Act, enacted in December 2025, as part of broader efforts to bolster the sector. The milestone of the 500 megawatt-electric (MWe) Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu was noted as a crucial step toward self-reliance. The PFBR achieved first criticality on April 6, 2026, marking the beginning of the second phase of India's three-stage nuclear program. Developed and constructed indigenously by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), the reactor utilizes uranium-plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel and is designed to generate more fissile material than it consumes. This makes it a pivotal element in transitioning from the first stage, which relies on Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), to the third stage, which aims to leverage India's abundant thorium reserves. The PFBR's significance lies in its role as a bridge between the current uranium-based nuclear program and the future thorium-based strategy. By utilizing fast breeder technology, the reactor converts uranium-238 into plutonium-239 through neutron interactions, enabling both electricity production and fuel creation. This dual function aligns with India's long-term vision of sustainable energy generation. The Department of Atomic Energy has stated that the PFBR will lay the groundwork for the third stage, where thorium will be used to produce uranium-233 for nuclear power generation. Modi praised the achievement as a defining moment in India's civil nuclear journey, highlighting the nation's scientific and engineering capabilities. Modi also underscored the necessity of nuclear power in supporting emerging technologies and economic growth. As demand for electricity increases due to the proliferation of semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence applications, and data center operations, nuclear energy is positioned as a reliable and scalable solution. The government's strategic focus on expanding the nuclear sector includes not only technological innovation but also policy reforms aimed at streamlining regulatory processes and encouraging private participation. These measures are intended to accelerate project timelines and enhance the overall efficiency of the nuclear program. The PFBR's successful operation represents a tangible outcome of India's sustained investment in nuclear research and development. Built under the Department of Atomic Energy, the reactor benefits from the expertise of institutions such as the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research. Its completion signifies progress in indigenous technology development and reduces reliance on imported fuels. With the PFBR serving as a model for future reactors, India is positioning itself to meet its ambitious targets while addressing global energy challenges. The continued advancement of nuclear technology is expected to play a vital role in shaping India's energy landscape over the coming decades.