Presently, there are 24 nuclear power plants (excluding RAPS-1, which is under extended shutdown) in commercial operation in the country with a total capacity of 8,780 MW.

At present, the Government has no proposal to augment nuclear power capacity as a substitute for thermal power. However, the Government has constituted a Sub-Committee of the Standing Site Selection Committee, comprising officers from CEA, NPCIL, and AERB, to examine the suitability of existing thermal power plant sites (which are proposed to be retired) for the establishment of nuclear power plants.

The peak electricity demand and electrical energy requirement are expected to reach 446 GW and 3215 BU respectively in 2034-35. To meet this projected electricity demand, the installed electricity generation capacity required in 2034- 35 will be about 1029 GW, comprising of 327 GW Thermal, 22 GW Nuclear and 679 GW Renewable energy (comprising of 73 GW Large Hydro, 447 GW Solar, 138 GW Wind and 21 GW from biomass and small hydro sources). In addition, the likely installed capacity of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Pumped Storage Plants (PSP) will be about 99 GW and 62 GW respectively by 2034-35.

In line with Hon’ble Prime Minister’s announcement at COP26, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is working towards achieving 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. Also, India has already achieved target of having 50% of its cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based sources during June, 2025 i.e. five years ahead of our global commitment. The Government of India has taken several steps and initiatives to promote and accelerate renewable energy capacity in the country to realize the commitment of 500 GW non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.

This information given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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NKR/G

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