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India Eyes 100 GW Nuclear Power by 2047 with Fast Breeder Reactor Boost

India is advancing its long-term nuclear power strategy with a target to achieve 100 GW of installed capacity by 2047, a plan that may include up to 5 GW from fast breeder reactors (FBRs). This would mark India’s transition into the second stage of its three-stage nuclear program. The first prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR), being developed by BHAVINI at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, is expected to be commissioned in FY 2025. Once operational, India will become only the second country after Russia to operate a commercial FBR.

Unlike conventional nuclear reactors, FBRs produce more fuel than they consume and use fast neutrons for a more efficient reaction process. India’s limited uranium reserves and abundant thorium make FBRs essential for progressing to the third stage of its nuclear programme, where thorium is converted into Uranium-233.

The 100 GW roadmap, being drafted by an inter-ministerial committee including the Department of Atomic Energy and the Ministry of Power, is expected to outline key components such as technology pathways, infrastructure requirements, investment needs, and supply chain logistics. Currently, India operates 8.8 GW of nuclear power capacity—about 1.9% of the country’s total. The PFBR is intended to act as a model for a fleet of future FBRs, accelerating deployment and scaling of this advanced nuclear technology.