Prasad said the country’s installed nuclear capacity currently stands at around 8.8 GW. India is expected to have 22 GW of nuclear capacity by 2030-31, as the government seeks to expand a stable source of electricity capable of providing firm, round-the-clock supply.
Of the 100 GW nuclear power target, 46 GW is expected to come through public sector undertakings, private companies and joint ventures. The CEA chairman made the remarks at an authority brainstorming event focused on using artificial intelligence in the Indian power sector.
Nuclear power is expected to play an important role in meeting India’s rising peak electricity demand. Peak demand is projected to reach 459 GW by 2035-36, compared with 250 GW in 2024-25, increasing the need for dependable generation capacity alongside renewable energy.
Prasad said India’s renewable energy capacity of 274 GW currently contributes 29.2 per cent of electricity generation. He noted that nuclear power provides firm supply, addressing an important limitation associated with variable renewable generation.
The CEA advises the Union Government on matters relating to national electricity policy and coordinates planning related to the power sector. The proposed nuclear expansion will require substantial capital mobilisation and greater participation from private players and joint ventures to meet the long-term capacity objective.