Archive · 26 Aug 2026
India Joins IAEA ATLAS Initiative for Nuclear Commercial Shipping
India has joined an international project called ATLAS.
The project studies how nuclear energy could be used by civilian ships.
It will also examine floating nuclear power plants.
These plants could provide electricity to coastal and remote communities.
Small reactors might allow ships to travel farther without refuelling as often.
India says its long coastline and many islands could make this technology useful.
India also wants to greatly increase its nuclear power capacity.
The International Atomic Energy Agency says the technology must be safe, secure and peaceful.
The project brings nuclear experts and shipping experts together to study these possibilities.
India joined the IAEA’s ATLAS initiative to explore nuclear power for civilian maritime uses.
ATLAS will examine small modular reactors for commercial ships and floating nuclear power plants.
The initiative could enable faster shipping with less frequent refuelling and provide electricity to coastal areas.
Ajit Kumar Mohanty said India’s coastline, islands and shipping sector create opportunities for offshore reactors.
India is targeting 100 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2047 and five indigenous small modular reactors by 2033.
- Who
- India, represented at the launch by Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty, joined the International Atomic Energy Agency’s ATLAS initiative.
- What
- The ATLAS initiative explores small modular reactors for civilian maritime propulsion, commercial shipping and floating nuclear power plants.
- When
- The initiative was launched on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at a ministerial conference.
- Where
- The launch took place in Washington.
- Why
- The initiative aims to develop safe, secure, sustainable and peaceful nuclear applications at sea, including low-carbon energy and offshore electricity supply.
- Initiative
- Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea (ATLAS)
- Organiser
- International Atomic Energy Agency
- Indian representative
- Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Chairman of India’s Atomic Energy Commission
- Technology under study
- Small modular reactors for civilian ships and offshore energy
- India’s 2047 target
- 100 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity
- India’s 2033 target
- At least five indigenous-designed Bharat Small Modular Reactors
- Relevant Indian law
- The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy and Transforming India (SHANTI) Act