India has achieved a major milestone in its clean energy programme, with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) announcing that its nuclear power plants have cumulatively generated more than 1,000 billion units of electricity since commercial operations began.

NPCIL said the achievement has helped avoid more than 860 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, underscoring the role of nuclear energy in strengthening India’s energy security while supporting its climate commitments and long-term clean energy goals.

NPCIL Announces Landmark Achievement

In a post on X on Tuesday, NPCIL said its nuclear power plants had crossed the 1,000 billion units milestone in cumulative electricity generation.

“Since commencement of commercial operation, NPCIL’s nuclear power plants have cumulatively generated over 1,000 billion units of clean electricity, thereby avoiding over 860 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions into the environment,” the corporation said.

It added that the milestone reflects its commitment to providing safe, reliable and sustainable nuclear power.

“This milestone reflects NPCIL’s steadfast commitment to deliver safe, reliable and sustainable nuclear power, strengthening India’s energy security while supporting the nation’s clean energy transition and climate goals,” NPCIL said.

Significant Environmental Impact

According to estimates cited by NPCIL, avoiding 860 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions represents a substantial environmental benefit.

A typical passenger vehicle emits around 4.6 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. On that basis, the avoided emissions are comparable to removing approximately 187 million petrol-powered vehicles from the roads for an entire year.

The figure is also broadly equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions of major industrial economies such as Germany or Japan.

Roadmap to 100 GW Nuclear Capacity

The milestone comes as the Centre advances plans to significantly expand India’s nuclear power capacity under the Nuclear Energy Mission announced in the Union Budget 2025-26.

The government has outlined a roadmap to achieve 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity by 2047, with the objective of increasing the share of reliable, low-carbon baseload power in the country’s energy mix.

The expansion is expected to contribute to India’s target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070.

Capacity to More Than Double by 2032

India’s current installed nuclear power capacity stands at 8.78 GW.

According to the government’s projections, this is expected to increase to around 22 GW by 2031-32 as projects currently under construction are progressively commissioned.

Beyond 2032, NPCIL plans to add another 32 GW of nuclear capacity under the administrative control of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

The planned expansion will include indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) as well as Light Water Reactors (LWRs), taking NPCIL’s total installed capacity to 54 GW by 2047.

New Law Opens Sector for Wider Participation

The remaining 46 GW required to meet the 100 GW target is expected to be developed through public sector enterprises, private companies and joint ventures operating under different business models.

The government’s enactment of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025, has created the legal framework for this broader expansion.

The legislation is intended to facilitate greater participation in India’s nuclear energy sector as the country seeks to expand clean electricity generation while meeting its growing energy demand.

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