India's Bold Plan to Boost Nuclear Power with Fast Breeder Reactors by 2047

India is setting its sights on a massive expansion of nuclear energy, targeting 100 gigawatts (GW) by 2047, with up to 5 GW from cutting-edge fast breeder reactors (FBRs), according to people in the know. This push puts India on track to join Russia as one of the few nations with commercial FBRs, marking a big step into the second phase of its nuclear energy journey.

The government-owned Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI) is leading the effort with India’s first 500-megawatt (MW) Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. Fuel loading for the reactor kicked off in March 2024, and it’s expected to start running this financial year. This pioneering PFBR will pave the way for more FBRs, which could be built in “fleet mode”—a strategy to construct multiple similar reactors at once or one after another to speed up growth.

Key Highlights:

• India targets 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047, including 5 GW from fast breeder reactors (FBRs)
• BHAVINI’s 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor in Kalpakkam is set to go live this year, leading future FBR fleet development
• FBRs will enhance fuel efficiency, reduce import dependence, and pave the way for thorium-based reactors in phase three

India currently has 8.8 GW of nuclear power, making up about 1.9% of its total energy mix. A team from the Department of Atomic Energy and the Ministry of Power is hammering out the details of the 100 GW plan, covering everything from technology choices to funding, staffing, and supply chains. The plan will lean on India’s homegrown Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), run by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India, and Light Water Reactors built with help from international partners.

FBRs are a game-changer for India’s nuclear ambitions, setting the stage for the third phase, which will focus on thorium-based reactors. Unlike standard reactors, FBRs recycle plutonium and uranium from spent PHWR fuel, making them more efficient and reducing reliance on imported fuel. A successful PFBR could transform India’s energy future, making it greener and more self-sufficient.

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Back in 2003, the government created BHAVINI to develop and operate FBRs, showing its long-term commitment to energy independence. As the 100 GW plan takes shape, India is gearing up to blend innovation, scale, and sustainability to meet its ambitious 2047 goal.