India needs to urgently review its green finance frameworks and strengthen its nuclear workforce to achieve its ambitious target of 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, according to Abhay Karandikar, Member of NITI Aayog. Speaking at the inaugural NuclearX Forum during Bharat Electricity 2026 at Yashobhoomi (IICC), Karandikar said policy reforms, stronger financing mechanisms and focused capacity building will be essential to attract private and global investment into the country’s nuclear energy sector.
Guided by the theme, “Unlocking Investments for India’s 100GW Civil Nuclear Ambition,” NuclearX 2026, the Global Forum on Nuclear Investment, was organised by The Energy and Climate Initiatives Society (ENCIS). The World Nuclear Association, serving as Knowledge Partner, played a key role, with its Director General Dr. Sama Bilbao Y León delivering the theme address. Invest India, the Government of India’s national investment promotion and facilitation agency, joined as Investment Facilitation Partner, highlighting the event’s focus on catalysing global and domestic investment to drive India’s nuclear energy future.
Karandikar further noted that India’s sovereign green bond, RBI green deposit, and SEBI green debt securities frameworks currently exclude nuclear energy, and called for their review to enable nuclear access to green finance, echoing global shifts by institutions like the World Bank and ADB. He also highlighted the urgent need for specialised nuclear education and skills, adding that NITI Aayog has set up a committee to chart a roadmap for capacity building across all levels, as strong talent is essential for sustainable sectoral growth.
Sector leaders including Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, IAS (Retd.), Honorary Chairperson, Bharat Electricity Governing Council and former Secretary, MNRE; Ms. Nivruti Rai, MD & CEO, Invest India; Dr. Sama Bilbao Y León, Director General, World Nuclear Association; Shri Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority; Shri Abhay Karandikar, Member, NITI Aayog; Ambassador (Retd.) Rakesh Sood, Distinguished Fellow, Council for Strategic and Defence Research; and Shri Abhishek Bhatnagar, Director General, ENCIS were present.
Nivruti Rai, MD & CEO, Invest India, commented, “India’s energy demand is set to surge as our data centre capacity alone is projected to grow from 1.7 GW today to 10 GW by 2032, over five times the increase, outpacing global trends. With 725,000 tons of green hydrogen tendered and new digital and industrial loads coming online, nuclear power will be vital for stable, reliable supply. Achieving our 100 GW nuclear ambition by 2047 will require a strong push for indigenisation to reduce costs by 30%, and closing technology gaps in areas like uranium enrichment and small modular reactors. By enacting bold policy reforms and forging robust public-private partnerships, India can emerge as the world’s third-largest nuclear power and secure a clean, resilient energy future.”
Organised by The Energy & Climate Initiatives Society (ENCIS), Bharat Electricity, POWERGEN India & Indian Utility Week 2026 brought together over 15,000 professionals, 250 exhibitors, and 150 global thought leaders from 40 countries. The event today highlighted India’s nuclear ambition and next-generation energy solutions, with sessions on mobilising capital, technology partnerships, regulatory innovation, and the digital transformation of utilities.
Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority, said, “India’s energy transition demands a careful balance of resources, long-term planning, and robust policy action. Last year, we commissioned a record 64,000 MW of new capacity, and we’re targeting 70,000 MW this year to keep pace with rising demand from emerging sectors like data centres and green hydrogen. For nuclear, accelerating site identification, streamlining regulatory approvals to under 10 years, and building skilled manpower are crucial to achieving our 100 GW vision.”
India currently operates 25 nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of about 8.8 GW across seven sites. With projects underway and new reactors planned, capacity is projected to reach nearly 22 GW by 2032. However, the path to 100 GW by 2047 will demand a broad spectrum of advanced technologies, robust supply chains, and innovative financing and deployment models.
Ambassador (Retd.) Rakesh Sood, Distinguished Fellow, Council for Strategic and Defense Research, remarked, “India’s nuclear journey now stands at a crossroads of ambition and opportunity. As we aim for 100 GW by 2047 and net zero by 2070, our policy choices must balance strategic autonomy, resource security, and public engagement, while fostering innovation, robust regulation, and private investment. The path ahead demands both technological leadership and broad-based public acceptance to truly power a developed, climate-resilient Bharat.”
State-led clean energy leadership from Gujarat and Karnataka was showcased during day 2 of the Bharat Electricity, Powergen India and Indian Utility Week 2026, with dedicated sessions highlighting their innovative policies, grid modernisation initiatives, and advances in renewable energy integration. Executive roundtables and forums reinforced the summit’s central theme: accelerating investment, technology adoption, and collaborative action to realise affordable, accessible, and sustainable energy for all, underscoring the vital role of both national and regional initiatives in India’s energy transition.
Bharat Electricity, POWERGEN India & Indian Utility Week form India’s flagship integrated leadership and business platform for the power and utilities sector. Hosted from 01–03 September 2026 at Yashobhoomi, IICC, New Delhi, the co-located events combine a Strategic Summit, international Exhibition, Knowledge Hub, State and Investment Roundtables, specialised pavilions and the Bharat Electricity Awards across the complete electricity value chain.
The Energy & Climate Initiatives Society (ENCIS) is an independent, non-partisan and not-for-profit strategic knowledge and policy institution advancing India’s energy sovereignty, energy transition, climate resilience and sustainable industrial growth. Guided by distinguished former Secretaries to the Government of India, regulators and industry leaders, ENCIS operates at the intersection of policy, industry, technology, finance and international cooperation .
Electrify your feed! Click here to join our Whatsapp group and to get the latest updates, expert insights, and innovations driving India’s energy storage revolution.
