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installation of over 3 GW of rooftop solar capacity, with an additional 27 GW targeted by March 2027.
This initiative is also driving the local production of inverters and Balance of Plant (BoP) components,
further strengthening India’s renewable energy ecosystem and enhancing the Make in India vision.

Under the guidance of Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi, MNRE has been working towards faster rollout,
building infrastructure for rapid deployment, ensuring efficient subsidy disbursement, and conducting
extensive awareness campaigns. The scheme continues to receive overwhelming support from the
public and the Government, marking a transformative step toward a cleaner, greener, and energy-
secure future for India.

Nuclear Energy is Critical for India’s Net Zero Goal, Major Expansion Planned: Dr. Jitendra Singh

Addressing a post-budget webinar organized by NITI Aayog, Union Minister of State (Independent
Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Department of
Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh
emphasized that Nuclear Energy is critical for India’s Net Zero goal.

He highlighted the Union Budget 2024-25’s vision for India’s nuclear power expansion, which sets a
target of achieving 100 GW by 2047. Pointing out the crucial role of nuclear energy in India’s transition
to clean energy and achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070, he called for private sector participation,
regulatory reforms, and sustained public engagement.

Highlighting the growing energy demand, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that India’s electricity needs are
expected to increase four to five times by 2047. While renewable energy sources are expanding, they
alone cannot meet the base-load demand, making nuclear power a key component of India’s energy
strategy. “Achieving 100 GW of nuclear power will require a focused and determined approach, adding
around 4 GW annually from now onwards,” he said, expressing confidence in meeting the goal with
proper planning and execution.

A major shift in India’s nuclear policy is the proposed involvement of the private sector in designing,
building, and operating nuclear power plants. Dr. Jitendra Singh acknowledged that legislative
amendments to the Atomic Energy Act, Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, and Electricity Act would
be required to enable this participation. “Opening up the nuclear sector will send a strong policy signal
to industry players, boosting investor confidence and encouraging long-term investments,” he noted.

He also highlighted that NPCIL, along with its subsidiaries, aims to contribute nearly half of the 100 GW
target by leveraging domestic and international partnerships. Meanwhile, NTPC’s joint venture, Ashwini,
has already taken the lead in constructing four 700 MWe PHWRs at Mahi-Banswara.

The Minister further announced the launch of a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) R&D Mission, with the
objective of developing five SMRs by 2033. These reactors, known for their adaptability, could be
deployed in industrial zones, remote areas, and hard-to-abate sectors like cement and steel
manufacturing.

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