Addressing the nation from Red Fort on August 15, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that ensuring energy security is the most pressing need of the time. He noted that sectors such as artificial intelligence, data centers, and chips will require enormous amounts of electricity, making the strengthening of atomic energy crucial.
Modi stated that the country is moving towards the goal of producing 100 gigawatts of nuclear energy by 2047. Furthermore, the objective has been set to launch five new nuclear reactors in the current decade. This year, India achieved an important milestone by mastering Fast Breeder Nuclear Technology, which paved the way for self-sufficiency in nuclear fuel. This victory is not only a technical success but also a key part of the country's long-term energy plan.
The prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) located in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, reached criticality for the first time in April 2026. This 500-megawatt reactor was built entirely using indigenous technology and marks the beginning of the second phase of India's three-stage nuclear program.
Unlike conventional nuclear reactors, which generate energy by burning uranium and deplete, fast breeder reactors are capable of producing more fuel than they consume. They utilize plutonium-uranium mixed oxides (MOX) fuel. By creating new fissile materials by layering uranium-238 or thorium-232, India can utilize its vast reserves of thorium. It is planned that in the third stage, uranium-233 will be produced from this thorium for large-scale electricity generation, making this technology a 'bridge' between the present and the future.
This achievement will allow India to reduce its dependence on nuclear fuel imports and extract much more energy from limited uranium resources. Scientists have compared this technology to a 'perpetual source' because after loading the fuel, it continues to produce new fuel. India is on track to become the second country in the world to operate this technology commercially, following Russia.
Currently, India's nuclear capacity stands at about 8.8 gigawatts, and the goal is to increase this figure to 100 gigawatts by 2047, representing a growth of more than tenfold. The Prime Minister announced that five new reactors will be launched in this decade, which may include small modular reactors that can be quickly deployed. The government has also passed a peace law, paving the way for private sector participation.
This goal is related not only to electricity generation but also to achieving clean energy and zero emission targets. Nuclear energy contributes to reducing carbon emissions and can provide round-the-clock power supply. Combined with solar and wind energy, it will help create a stable power supply system.
This success serves as an example of the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) campaign. This was made possible by years of effort from scientists at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. Despite delays, the indigenous technology proved successful. Now, the country will not only generate electricity but also produce fuel independently. Overall, mastering fast breeder reactor technology lays a strong foundation for India's energy security, and the role of atomic energy will increase in the concept of developed India by 2047, which, according to the Prime Minister, is a big and successful step towards nuclear fuel self-sufficiency.
