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NITI Aayog Member Calls for Green Finance for Nuclear Energy
India wants to produce much more electricity from nuclear power.
Its goal is to reach 100 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2047.
The country currently has about 8.8 gigawatts from 25 reactors.
New projects could raise this to nearly 22 gigawatts by 2032.
Reaching the larger goal may require about $228 billion.
Abhay Karandikar said nuclear energy should be allowed to receive money through several green-finance programs.
Supporters say nuclear power can provide reliable electricity for growing needs such as data centres and green hydrogen.
India will also need more trained workers, better technology and faster government approvals.
Officials said stronger domestic manufacturing could help lower costs and close technology gaps.
NITI Aayog Member Abhay Karandikar urged India to include nuclear energy in major green-finance frameworks.
India is targeting 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047, requiring an estimated $228 billion in investment.
India currently operates 25 nuclear reactors with about 8.8 GW of capacity across seven sites.
Under-construction and planned projects are expected to raise nuclear capacity to nearly 22 GW by 2032.
Officials said skilled workers, faster approvals, technology development and greater indigenisation are crucial to expansion.
- Who
- NITI Aayog Member Abhay Karandikar, Invest India Managing Director and CEO Nivruti Rai, and Central Electricity Authority Chairperson Ghanshyam Prasad discussed India’s nuclear expansion.
- What
- Officials called for nuclear energy to be included in green-finance frameworks while outlining measures to achieve 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047.
- Where
- Yashobhoomi in New Delhi.
- When
- The statements were made during the NuclearX Inaugural Forum at Bharat Electricity 2026.
- Why
- India needs financing, skilled workers, technology and faster approvals to expand nuclear power and meet rising demand for reliable electricity.
Key facts
- Nuclear target
- India aims to reach 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047.
- Estimated investment
- About $228 billion is expected to be required to achieve the 2047 target.
- Current capacity
- India operates 25 nuclear reactors with about 8.8 GW of capacity across seven sites.
- 2032 projection
- Under-construction and planned projects are expected to increase capacity to nearly 22 GW by 2032.
- Green-finance frameworks
- The sovereign green bond, Reserve Bank of India green deposit and Securities and Exchange Board of India green debt securities frameworks currently exclude nuclear energy, according to Abhay Karandikar.
- Data-centre projection
- India’s data-centre capacity is projected to rise from 1.7 GW to 10 GW by 2032.
- Power additions
- India commissioned 64,000 MW of new power capacity last year and is targeting 70,000 MW this year.
Quotes
Abhay Karandikar
NITI Aayog Member
“For nuclear, accelerating site identification, streamlining regulatory approvals to under 10 years, and building skilled manpower are crucial to achieving our 100 GW vision.”
financialexpress.com
“India’s sovereign green bond, RBI green deposit, and SEBI green debt securities frameworks currently exclude nuclear energy.”
financialexpress.com
Sources
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