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India is on the verge of a nuclear energy revolution, driven by GOI vision. The country currently produces only 8,180 MW of nuclear power, far short of the 1 lakh MW needed by 2047. With energy consumption hitting 243 GW in September 2024, a 13% increase from last year, the need for more sustainable energy is urgent. India’s nuclear journey began in the 1940s under Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, who laid out a three-stage plan using Uranium, Plutonium, and Thorium. Stage I: Focused on Uranium-238, used in Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). These reactors generate power and produce Plutonium-239. India now operates 18 PHWRs with a total capacity of 6,780 MW. Stage II: Plutonium from Stage I fuels Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs), which generate more fuel than they consume, increasing efficiency. Stage III: Focuses on Thorium, which India has in abundance. Thorium must be converted into Uranium-233 for use in reactors, a critical part of India’s long-term energy strategy. Despite these developments, nuclear energy currently makes up just 1.81% of India’s power capacity. To meet future demands, the government plans to triple nuclear output by 2031-32, involving private companies in development. A $26 billion investment will fund new plants and technologies. However, the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 limits private sector involvement. To address this, a hybrid model has been proposed, where private companies invest in infrastructure while Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) retains control over reactor operations. A key part of this strategy is developing small nuclear power plants. Bharat Small Reactors, with a capacity of 220 MW, are being designed to fit India’s growing energy needs. Additionally, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which can produce 10-300 MW, are in development. These reactors use Kettle principles to enhance safety and can be deployed in remote areas without large infrastructure needs. India plans to deploy 40-50 SMRs in the next 7-8 years, aiming to catch up to Russia, the only country with an operational SMR. India’s ambitious timeline could make it a global leader in small reactor technology. The government’s 2024 Budget has boosted nuclear research, with a focus on Thorium reactors and SMRs. This investment will drive innovation in reactor safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, setting the stage for nuclear energy to play a major role in India’s energy future. In summary, GOI push for privatization and the development of small reactors is positioning India to lead in nuclear energy. With advanced technologies in Uranium, Plutonium, and Thorium, and the deployment of SMRs, India is set to reclaim its place in the global nuclear race, ensuring a sustainable energy future.