From Coal To Clean Energy: Can Nuclear Lead India’s Transition?

Introduction

India is at an energy crossroads. The country must rethink its power generation strategy with a booming economy, rising energy demand, and climate commitments. While coal still dominates (70% of electricity generation), and renewables are scaling up, they come with their limitations.

India’s quest for sustainable and reliable energy sources has renewed its focus on nuclear power. Nuclear energy is a potential game-changer as the nation strives to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility. 

With government initiatives, technological advancements, and a push for net-zero emissions by 2070, nuclear energy might be the missing piece in India’s energy puzzle. Could nuclear power be the game-changer in India’s clean energy transition? Let’s find out. 

India’s Nuclear Energy Landscape

India’s nuclear journey began in the 1950s with the formation of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). 22 operational reactors contribute about 3.2% of India’s electricity generation today. While this share is small, plans are in place to ramp up nuclear capacity from 8 GW to 60 GW+ by 2040 (Department of Atomic Energy, 2024).

Government Initiatives Boosting Nuclear Power

Recognizing the potential of nuclear energy, the Indian government has launched several initiatives to bolster its nuclear capacity:

• Budget 2025: National Nuclear Energy Mission – Aims to accelerate nuclear infrastructure development.
• National Nuclear Energy Mission: Announced in the Union Budget 2025, this mission allocates ₹20,000 crore to develop Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033. The goal is to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, aligning with India’s clean energy objectives. 
• Legislative Reforms: Two task forces have been established to amend the Atomic Energy Act and address concerns related to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act. These reforms aim to encourage private sector participation and streamline regulatory frameworks.  The Economic Time
• Capacity Expansion: India plans to increase its nuclear power capacity by approximately 70% over the next five years, reflecting a robust strategy to enhance energy security and reduce carbon emissions. India is building 10 new reactors simultaneously, cutting costs and increasing efficiency. It will also develop Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which will be compact, scalable nuclear technology for industrial and urban needs. 
• International Collaboration – Agreements with Russia, France, and the U.S. to expand nuclear capacity.  India Today

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Need For Nuclear Energy Despite Coal & Renewables 

While coal remains India’s primary energy source, accounting for over 70% of electricity generation, its environmental impact and rising global carbon regulations make it unsustainable in the long run. Renewables like solar and wind are expanding rapidly but have intermittency issues, requiring backup energy sources like coal or battery storage, which increases costs. 

Nuclear power bridges the gap by offering a clean, reliable, high-capacity energy source. Unlike renewables, nuclear plants run 24/7, ensuring grid stability and supporting industrial growth. Given India’s rising energy demands—expected to double by 2040—nuclear energy provides a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to power the economy without jeopardizing environmental commitments.  

Year	Nuclear Capacity (GW)	Nuclear Share in Power Mix (%)	Cost of Nuclear Power (USD/MWh)
2024	8	3.20%	60
2026	12	4.50%	58
2028	18	6%	55
2030	25	6.50%	53
2032	35	8%	50
2040	60+	12%	48

Why Nuclear Energy is Key to Net-Zero

1. Coal Dependency & Emission Challenges: India still relies on coal for over 70% of its power generation (CEA, 2024), making it one of the top carbon emitters globally. While renewables like solar and wind are expanding, they face storage and intermittency issues, limiting their ability to provide stable, 24/7 energy.
2. Nuclear Power’s Role in Carbon Reduction: Zero Direct Carbon Emissions: Unlike coal, nuclear power plants emit no CO₂ while generating electricity. A single 1 GW nuclear reactor can replace multiple coal-fired plants, cutting emissions significantly.
3. Global Lessons: Nuclear as a Decarbonization Tool: France: Achieved low-carbon electricity (70% nuclear) while maintaining economic growth. China: Has 55 nuclear reactors and aims to quadruple capacity by 2050 for clean energy goals. India: With just 3.2% nuclear energy share, expanding this sector is crucial for meeting net-zero targets.

Economic Implications of Embracing Nuclear Energy

The strategic shift towards nuclear power carries profound economic ramifications:

1. Energy Security and Reliability: Nuclear power offers a stable and continuous energy supply, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating the volatility associated with renewable sources like solar and wind. This stability is crucial for sustaining industrial growth and attracting investments.
   
2. Cost-Effectiveness: While the initial capital investment in nuclear infrastructure is substantial, the long-term operational costs are competitive. The high capacity factor of nuclear plants ensures consistent energy output, leading to economies of scale over time.
   
3. Technological Advancements and Employment: The development of indigenous reactor technologies, such as SMRs, positions India as a leader in nuclear innovation. This advancement fosters technological self-reliance and generates employment opportunities across various sectors, including engineering, manufacturing, and research.
   
4. Environmental Benefits: Nuclear energy produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to India’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its net-zero emissions goal by 2070. Reducing air pollution also translates to public health benefits, potentially lowering healthcare expenditures.
   

Future Prospects and Challenges

The trajectory of nuclear energy in India appears promising, yet certain challenges must be addressed to harness its potential fully:

1. Public Perception and Safety: Ensuring the safety of nuclear installations is paramount. Transparent communication and robust safety protocols are essential to gain public trust and dispel apprehensions associated with nuclear energy.
   
2. Waste Management: Developing sustainable solutions for nuclear waste disposal remains a critical concern. Investing in research for effective waste management techniques is imperative for the long-term viability of nuclear power.
   
3. Financing and Investment: Attracting private investments necessitates a conducive policy environment and assurance of returns. The proposed legislative amendments aim to create a more investor-friendly landscape, but their effective implementation will be key.
   
4. Integration with Renewable Energy: A balanced energy mix requires harmonizing nuclear power with renewable sources. Strategic planning is essential to optimize the complementarities of different energy modalities.

The Future of Nuclear Energy in India

India’s nuclear energy journey is at a turning point. With government backing, global collaborations, and technological advancements, atomic power is poised to be a key driver in the country’s clean energy strategy. While challenges exist—high initial costs, regulatory hurdles, and public perception—the long-term benefits of energy security, cost stability, and emission reduction make nuclear power an essential pillar of India’s energy future.

Key Takeaways:

Nuclear energy offers 24/7 reliability, unlike solar and wind.
It reduces dependence on coal, helping India meet carbon net-zero goals.
Government policies and new reactor technologies will accelerate growth.
Economic benefits include stable energy costs and job creation. 

Final Thought

• Nuclear power is not just an alternative—it’s needed to achieve India’s carbon neutrality. By integrating nuclear energy into its clean energy mix, India can cut coal dependence, stabilize power supply, and reduce emissions, bringing the 2070 net-zero goal closer to reality.
• Nuclear power is not just an option—it’s a necessity for a cleaner, self-reliant, and economically strong India. The time to act is now. 

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