India is planning to increase its nuclear energy capacity because the country needs to meet rising electricity demand while reducing carbon emissions. A report from the U.S.-India Business Council together with KPMG in India shows that India can increase its nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047.

The report titled Atoms for Net-Zero presents its findings during a period when India is building its clean energy capacity to support industrial growth, digital infrastructure development and transition to cleaner energy sources.

At present, nuclear energy contributes a small share to India’s total power generation. But the report argues that the sector is entering a new phase, especially after the passage of the SHANTI Act, 2025, which opens the door for greater private sector participation while keeping sensitive areas such as fuel cycle management and safety under government control.

The report also points to the government’s proposed ₹20,000 crore investment under the National Nuclear Energy Mission to support the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), a newer category of compact nuclear reactors that can be used for industrial power, hydrogen production, and other specialised applications.

The report shows that India will continue to depend on large conventional reactors as its primary nuclear power source during the upcoming years, while SMRs will gradually begin to serve heavy industry and data centre applications which need continuous power supply.

The report says interest from industry is already higher than the 100 GW target, but investors are looking for policy clarity, faster approvals, reliable financing models, and long-term power purchase agreements before committing large amounts of capital.

It also warns that the bigger challenge now is execution. Building enough manufacturing capacity, strengthening fuel supply systems, creating a skilled workforce, and developing waste management and safety infrastructure will be critical if India wants to meet its nuclear goals.

Rahul Sharma, Managing Director India at the US–India Business Council, said India has already set a clear roadmap for nuclear energy growth, but the focus now needs to move from announcements to actual project delivery.

Anish De, Global Head of Energy, Natural Resources and Chemicals at KPMG International, said nuclear power could play an important role in providing stable, low-carbon electricity for sectors that cannot rely only on solar and wind energy.

The report also highlights the growing role of the India-US partnership in the nuclear sector. It says collaboration in technology, manufacturing, fuel supply, and regulations could help India emerge not only as a large nuclear energy market but also as a global manufacturing and innovation hub for the sector.

The report concludes that policy stability, financing support, and industry partnerships will decide how quickly India can turn its nuclear ambitions into working projects over the next two decades.