Record Generation Achievement
India’s Rising Nuclear Energy Milestone: India achieved a historic breakthrough in FY 2024-25 as NPCIL crossed 50 billion units (BUs) of nuclear power generation for the first time. This record helped India avoid nearly 49 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions, strengthening its clean energy transition. The achievement reinforces nuclear power’s role in stabilising base-load supply.
Nuclear Power in India
Nuclear power contributes about 3% to India’s electricity generation as of July 2025. India’s long-term nuclear pathway is built on Homi Bhabha’s three-stage programme, designed to utilise domestic resources, especially thorium.
Static GK fact: India ranks among the world’s top holders of thorium reserves, largely along the Kerala coast.
Long-Term Capacity Goals
India targets 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047, driven by indigenous technology and enhanced domestic fuel cycles. The strategy prioritises advanced reactors and manufacturing self-reliance.
Static GK Tip: India’s first research reactor, Apsara, became operational in 1956 at Trombay.
Nuclear Energy Mission
The Union Budget 2025-26 launched the Nuclear Energy Mission, focusing on the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). With capacities up to 300 MWe, these reactors offer modular construction, enhanced safety, and suitability for remote regions. They support India’s future hydrogen production and industrial decarbonisation plans.
Indigenous Reactor Developments
India is progressing with Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs), which are 220 MW PHWRs known for operational reliability. The PHWR design uses heavy water as both moderator and coolant and runs on natural uranium, aligning with India’s resource strategy.
Key Capacity Achievements
The commissioning of Kakrapar (KAPS-3 & 4), both 700 MWe PHWRs, during FY 2023-24 marks a major milestone in indigenous reactor advancement. The Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (4 × 700 MWe PHWR) is another major expansion initiative.
Strengthening the Reactor Fleet
In 2025, Rawatbhata Atomic Power Project (RAPP) Unit-7, India’s third 700 MWe PHWR, began commercial operation. This boosts confidence in India’s ability to scale large PHWR designs.
Static GK fact: RAPS-1 at Rawatbhata, commissioned in 1973, is India’s oldest operating PHWR.
India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Programme (Integrated Summary)
India’s nuclear roadmap is built on three sequential stages to maximise uranium and thorium utilisation.
Stage 1
PHWRs use natural uranium, producing plutonium as a by-product. The reactors generate stable base-load power and supply inputs for the next stage.
Stage 2
Plutonium-fuelled Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) use a mix of plutonium and depleted uranium. With sufficient fissile inventory, thorium is introduced to produce U-233, a key fuel for the future.
Stage 3
Reactors use a mixture of thorium and uranium, where thorium transmutes into U-233, enabling large-scale, long-duration clean electricity production. This cycle is crucial because thorium is abundant in India.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India’s Rising Nuclear Energy Milestone:
| Topic | Detail |
| NPCIL generation FY 2024-25 | Crossed 50 BUs for first time |
| Emission reduction | Nearly 49 million tonnes of CO₂ avoided |
| Nuclear share | About 3% of total generation |
| Long-term target | 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 |
| Key mission | Nuclear Energy Mission 2025-26 |
| SMR capacity | Up to 300 MWe |
| BSR model | 220 MW PHWR |
| Indigenous 700 MWe reactors | Kakrapar KAPS-3 & 4 |
| Major new project | Mahi Banswara Nuclear Project |
| Recent commissioning | RAPP Unit-7 in 2025 |
